For Personal and Spiritual Growth

A Self-Paced Course

Healing From Within

Self-Empowerment Series

Susan Goldman Eller, M.A.

T A R O T

Healing From Within – Self-Empowerment Series

Tarot For Personal and Spiritual Growth

Beginning Tarot Course by Susan Goldman Eller, M.A.

www.healingfromwithin.com

Lesson 1

Greetings
What is Tarot
My background with Tarot
About the course
Origins and History
Setting the stage for a reading
Getting Acquainted With Your Cards
How The Deck Is Divided

Greetings!

Welcome to Tarot for personal and spiritual growth. I

hope you find this course interesting, useful, and fun. Although Tarot is
often associated with fortune telling, that is only one of its uses. My focus
has always been to use it as a tool to self-awareness, inner healing, and
personal transformation.

I will be using the Rider-Waite deck designed by Arthur Edward Waite
in collaboration with the artist, Pamela Colman Smith. The Rider deck is
most often used as a beginning deck because of its in-depth imagery. Other
decks that are comparable are the Morgan Greer, Hanson Roberts,
Aquarian, and the Sacred Rose. If you use another deck other than the
Rider just take into consideration that the pictures and symbolism will be
different. Please note that this course is under copyright and cannot be
duplicated in any form without prior permission.

What is Tarot?

Tarot is a symbolic system in the form of pictorial images on cards.
Actually the Tarot is an ancient book of knowledge and wisdom in the
form of cards. It consists of two decks, the Major and Minor Arcana. The
Tarot is also a philosophical and psychological tool that can help you
understand yourself in relation to life and the universe. I have also found
that it is a wonderful way to communicate with your guides and higher
self.

When you go on a journey, it helps to have a map. The Tarot is such a
map. It is a map of human consciousness and depicts one’s journey toward
wholeness, balance, and enlightenment. By using it you can access higher
guidance, facilitate decision-making, heighten awareness, clarify options,
increase your intuition, and expand creativity.

My background with Tarot

My discovery of Tarot dates back to 1975 when I became involved with
a psychic healing group in Northern California. They used Tarot and hand
analysis as a way to counsel people before doing a healing. Therefore right
at the beginning my focus with Tarot was on healing, counseling, personal
and spiritual growth.

I gave myself a reading every day, asked questions from my colleagues,
and referred to a Xeroxed manual called the “Psychic Tarot” Eventually I
began giving friends readings and after a year took my first Tarot class.
From then on it all seemed to coalesce. The classes brought everything I
had been studying together for me in a clear, comprehensive, and
enlightening manner. Eventually I began teaching Tarot classes.

In 1983 I received a masters degree in psychology from Antioch
University in San Francisco. The program I attended was completely
experimental. It was called Holistic Studies and I was able to write my
thesis on Tarot as a symbolic journey towards wholeness. Tarot author,
Mary Greer was on my thesis committee.

As a result of my studies at Antioch I learned how to integrate Tarot
with counseling. Part of the power of Tarot is that the cards mirror facets
about our personality including our blocks, challenges and negative belief
systems. The Tarot also reflects how we can transform those blocks in
order to evolve our personality. It is a dynamic system of unlimited
creative potential.

About the course

This course is a compilation of 25 years of experience and study. Use it
as a guideline while developing your own intuitive responses to the cards
and their messages. You will find that over time your connection with the
cards will deepen especially when applied to your own daily life
experiences. As you bond with the energy of the cards you will feel more
confident to do readings for others.

It's okay to look up interpretations of the cards. However you might
want to try letting the cards speak to you in your own way. Just remember
that before doing a reading it's best to ask for the highest guidance
possible. Simply close your eyes, center yourself, ask for higher guidance,
and write down whatever comes to you. Or you could just look at the card
and see what image attracts you and write about that.

The cards provide a pathway to connect your conscious and
subconscious mind with that of your superconscious or higher self. I
encourage you to have respect for your cards yet be playful and
explorational in your approach.

May your journey with Tarot enrich your life.

Origins and History

No one knows the true origins of Tarot. The following account is an
abbreviated version of its history. A detailed account of the Tarot’s origin
and history can be found in the book “The Tarot: The Origins, Meanings
and uses of the Cards” by Alfred Douglas. I have also taken from two
other sources. “Tarot For Yourself”, by Mary K. Greer, and “Jewels of the
Wise” by the Holy Order of Mans.

Scholars agree that playing cards date back to eleventh century China and
Korea. The design of the cards seem to be based on paper money.
However, there is no direct correlation between these cards and the Tarot.

The earliest evidence we have of Tarot cards is of the Visconti-Sforza
deck created approximately in 1415 for a marriage between the Italian
Visconti and Sforza families. The major trumps were well developed in
this deck.

It is believed that the oldest cards still in existence are French. Seventeen
of these cards can be found in the Biblioteque Nationale at Paris. Sixteen
of them are the major trumps of the Tarot. The belief is that these hand-
painted cards were part of the pack that was made for Charles VI of France
in 1312.

Records show that cards were known in France, Switzerland, and Belgium
by 1379.

Many myths and legends surround the origins of the cards. Some believe
that the pack was brought to Europe by fortune-telling Gypsies who
migrated from either Egypt or India.

Some have tried to link the meaning of Tarot to the ancient Egyptian word,
Tarosh meaning “the royal way”and have associated it with the “Book of
Thoth”

In 1854 Eliphas Levi linked the Tarot with the Kaballah, the esoteric
Jewish system. The main diagram of the Kaballah is the Tree of Life upon
which the entire Tarot can be placed.

In 1886 the Order of the Golden Dawn was founded. The Golden Dawn
practiced elaborate rituals and visualization using the Tarot and the
kaballistic Tree of Life. Some famous occultists were members of the
Golden Dawn such as Dion Fortune, Israel Regardie, Evelyn Underhill,
Aleister Crowley, Paul Foster Case, and Arthur Edward Waite (the author
of the Rider-Waite deck).

In the last 30 years or so we have witnessed a Tarot renaissance. Many
decks, books and courses of study have emerged on the subject.

Setting The Stage For A Reading

Before doing a reading or any kind of psychic/intuitive work it’s

important that you ground yourself. Grounding means that you connect
with the earth. This helps you to be more present so that you can more
effectively channel. The following are some suggestions for grounding.

GROUNDING EXERCISES

1. Stand or sit with your feet planted firmly on the ground. Line

up your body so that you feel centered and your chin is parallel to the
floor. Imagine that there is a cord extended upward from the crown of
your head which pulls you up so that the vertebrae of your spine are
aligned one on top of the other. Relax your shoulders and back. Breathe
evenly. Focus your attention on the soles of your feet. Feel the energy
there. Imagine that from the bottom of each foot there is a rod of energy
that extends down into the ground, deep into the earth. Breathe in this
energy through the soles of your feet. Feel it circulate around your feet,
your toes, on up to your ankles. The energy now moves up your legs to
your calves, your knees, your thighs and up to your hips. Feel this earth

energy move up through your whole body, to your shoulders, neck, arms
and hands. Feel it move up your head and all the way out through your
crown at the top of your head. Now visualize a golden light descending
from above which enters through the top of your head. See it move down
through your head to your neck, your shoulders, down through your whole
body to your thighs, down your legs and out through the soles of your feet.
Do this until you feel connected with the earth energy below and the light
energy from above. (If you are sitting cross-legged on the floor, imagine
that your grounding cord extends down from the base of your spine.)

2. You can do the above exercise and imagine that the earth energy is

green. After completing the exercise once repeat blending the green and
gold energies together so that there is a 50/50 ratio of earth energy and
universal energy.

3. For an abbreviated version of the first exercise imagine a shaft of

light descending from above that envelops your whole body, grounding
you to the earth below. You can also imagine a golden cord that descends
through your crown down through the center of your body, grounding you
into the earth.

ASKING FOR PROTECTION

It is important to call forth protection. This is also called shielding.

There are various ways you can do this. It always helps to imagine that you
surround yourself with white light. Another method is to call forth
protection via an invocation or prayer. The following is an exercise I like.

Close your eyes, take a slow deep breath and tune into your heart

center. Surround your heart with a circle of light. See this light grow and
expand until it surrounds your whole body with a protective aura of
brilliant white light. Now ask for Divine protection and guidance. For
further protection declare this in the form of an invocation. For example,
before starting a Tarot session I state the following invocation:

Dear Mother, Father, God/Goddess
We ask to be divinely guided and protected
May only the highest love and wisdom come forth
today
May what is to be revealed be clearly expressed
and understood
And May whatever comes through be for our highest
good.

Thy will be done. Thank you. Amen.

Be sure to request that the highest guides and angels be present to
protect and assist you. Guides and angels are available to us all the time
but we have to ask for their help, otherwise they will not interfere with our
free will.

Getting Acquainted With Your Cards

Before we cover the meanings of the cards I would like you to take

your tarot deck out of its box and shuffle them. Mix your energies with
them. The more you handle your deck, the more you will establish a
connection with them.

It’s a good idea to bless and consecrate your deck. There are

several ways you can do this. You can hold them in your hands and say a
prayer over them, smudge them, recite a chant, or sound three “Oms”.
Another method you might try is to hold your cards to your heart and
imagine that a beam of white light descends from above which infuses
your deck with the highest love, wisdom, and blessings possible. From
now on when you are not using your cards, keep them wrapped in a silk
cloth and stored either in a special pouch or in a wooden box. This will
protect them and keep their energy high.

Keep a Tarot Journal

I strongly recommend keeping a Tarot journal. It will help you

notice any patterns with your readings such as recurring cards. It also
facilitates learning. When you give yourself a reading record the reading
in your journal. Be sure and date it so that you can refer to it later. If you
have done a reading in the morning on your upcoming day refer to your
notes later. See if the day has given you any other insights into your
reading.

The following is an exercise to help you get familiar with a

reading.

Exercise:

Without looking at any meanings give yourself a one to

three card reading. If you do a three card reading, read the cards from left
to right to make up a strory.

First ground yourself and ask your guides for the highest guidance

possible. Then decide what kind of reading you would like. For example,

would you like general guidance, a card to represent the day, or would you
like to ask a specific question? Record this in your journal.

Next shuffle your cards until you feel that you have shuffled

enough. Just let your intuition guide you. Then cut the cards so that there
are three piles. Stack one pile on top of the other moving from left to right
so that once again you have one stack of cards. At this point simply take
the top card off the deck, turn it over, then lay it down so that you can see
the illustration. Another method is to fan the cards after you shuffle them.
Then glide your non-dominant hand over the cards until you feel it is time
to stop, then select a card.

Now look at your card. If the card is upside down, called reversed,

turn it right side up. Do not worry about reversed cards at this point.
As you look at your card notice what feelings it evokes. Does the
illustration remind you of anything? Are there any figures in the card and
if so what is going on? If you could talk to these characters what might
they say? Use your imagination. Pretend you are a figure in the scene.
What would you be doing? Does it relate to anything in your life? Create
a story.

Record your impressions in your journal. If you like you can then

look up the meaning. This exercise will help you develop your intuition as
well as establish a stronger connection to the meanings of the cards. It’s
okay if your impressions differ from the meanings in a book. The
meanings are just a guideline. Allow the pictures and symbols to stimulate
your creativity, imagination, and intuition.

How The Deck Is Divided

The traditional tarot deck consists of seventy-eight cards and are

divided into two decks, the Major and Minor Arcana. The twenty-two
Major Arcana represent universal laws and principles. When realized these
spiritual archetypes uncover the truth within us and reveal the path of self-
realization.

The 56 Minor Arcana divide into four suits similar to our playing

cards of today and demonstate:

Our everyday situations and how we deal with them.

Our subpersonalities.

Psychological blocks

Life lessons, opportunities, and challenges

The four suits of the Minor Arcana are wands, pentacles, swords,

and cups. The following is a description of the minor arcana.

Wands – element fire – relates to qualities such as passion, self-

growth, enthusiasm, spirit, creativity, desire, action and movement.

Pentacles – element earth – relates to work, finances, health,

studies, crafts, results, manifestation, grounding, the physical and material
plane.

Swords – element air – relates to thoughts, analysis, defenses,

conflict, communication, criticism, and decisions.

Cups – element water – relates to feelings, emotions, imagination,

intuition, dreams, visualization, being psychic, receptivity, and reflection.

Exercise:

Go through your deck and pull out all the Major

Arcana cards. The Major Arcana are usually numbered with roman
numerals on the top and state the name of the card on the bottom. The
following are the names of the Major Arcana.

O The Fool
I The Magician VIII Strength XV The Devil
II The High Priestess IX The Hermit XVI The Tower
III The Empress X The Wheel Of Fortune XVII The Star
IV The Emperor XI Justice XVIII The Moon
V The Hierophant XII The Hanged Man XIX The Sun
VI The Lovers XIII Death XX Judgement
VII The Chariot XIV Temperance XXI The World

Once you have all the Major Arcana cards sorted out from the

deck, put them in order from 0 – 21. Next lay them out in three rows of
seven with the number 0 The Fool at the top. See the illustration below.

0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21

What you see before you is the journey of self-realization as

pictured by the path of Tarot. 0 The Fool is on top because it is a free spirit

and can go anywhere. The first line below The Fool consists of I. The
Magician, II The High Priestess, III The Empress, IV The Emperor, V The
Hierophant, VI The Lovers, and VII The Chariot. The next line of cards
shows VIII Strength, IX The Hermit, X The Wheel Of Fortune, XI Justice,
XII The Hanged Man, XIII Death, and XIV Temperance. The last line
contains XV The Devil, XVI The Tower, XVII The Star, XVIII The Moon,
XIX Judgement, XX The Sun, and XXI The World.

Take a few moments to look at the cards in front of you. As you

look at the pictures do you see any similarities either in design or color?
For example, in the Rider deck the High Priestess, The Hierophant, And
The Justice cards all show someone seated between two columns. The
Lovers, Temperance, and Judgement cards all have angels in the
background. The illustrations in The Lovers and The Devil cards are
similar. Both have a large figure behind a man and a woman.

This is the journey you will be taking. In the next chapter you will

go through the Major Arcana cards starting with The Fool. I suggest you
keep this layout in front of you as you journey through the cards. You will
be studying one card at a time so you will probably need to go through the
process of ordering (putting the cards in order ) the Major Arcana several
times. This will help you become more familiar with them.

Put the Major Arcana cards aside for now. Next go through the

deck and pull out all the Minor Arcana. Look for the four suits – wands,
cups, swords, and pentacles. Work with the Ace through 10 first. Lay them
out in order before you. Then you can lay out the court cards which go in
order of Page, Knight, Queen, and King.

Homework and Review

Keep a Tarot Journal. Pull one to three cards a day and record your

impressions. Do the getting acquainted exercise. Questions: When you
pulled a card did it remind you of anything in your life right now? What
was it like to dialogue with a figure in the card? What was it like to lay out
all the Major Arcana cards?



Healing From Within

Tarot for Personal and Spiritual Growth

Susan Goldman Eller, M.A.

www.healingfromwithin.com

Lesson 2

The Major Arcana
0The Fool –7 The Chariot
Exercise
The Daily Spread
Reflections on this lesson

The Major Arcana

We are now ready to embark on the journey with the Major

Arcana. The Major Arcana represent the cosmic forces that play out in life,
the higher lessons that we are trying to learn and integrate. They reveal life
principles, universal laws, as well as the collective experience of
humankind. The Major Arcana act as guides taking us through various
stages of attainment from birth to the descent into the underworld of our
subconscious to transformation and ultimate enlightenment. These stages
can be applied to an individual’s entire life, to a particular cycle in a
person’s life, or to the on-going development of the soul from lifetime to
lifetime.

Each Major Arcana card is associated with a key number and

astrological sign or planet or an element. I have also included keywords at
the end of each description. The Major Arcana are sometimes referred to
as keys because they can unlock the hidden resources of the mind.

O THE FOOL

Element Air/Planet Uranus

We begin our Tarot journey with The Fool. In the Rider deck we

see a carefree youth about to leap off a cliff. His faithful dog follows at his
side. Similar to Alice when she leaps into the rabbit hole, the Fool invites
us on an adventure into the symbolic world of Tarot.

The Fool relates to the element air-prana, the Life Breath. Just as

we begin life with our first breath so too our breath is our constant
connection to life and our source. Symbolized by the Orphic Egg, the
number 0 represents birth and new beginnings.

The Fool also relates to the planet Uranus. Uranus symbolizes

unexpected changes and innovative approaches.

The Fool represents trust and faith. He reminds us to trust that we

are always being guided, just as his dog trusts him. His bag is said to
contain memories from past lifetimes, memories that are locked up in our
subconscious.

The Fool represents spirit or youth in search of experience. He

symbolizes taking risks and being open to new discoveries.

In a reading the Fool indicates the beginning of a new cycle in your

life. Now is the time to open to new changes, fresh approaches, inventive
ideas, and exciting discoveries. Anything can happen.

When entering a new cycle, let go of preconceived conceptions.

Pretend you are a novice and see through the eyes of a child just beginning
to learn. The more you can look upon your upcoming experiences with an
open mind, the more you can receive flashes of insight as well as pleasant
surprises. Be joyous, playful, and spontaneous. Most of all have faith in
yourself and the universe to provide only what is best for you.

The Fool’s mobility allows him to appear anywhere throughout the

deck, similar to the joker or wild card in our playing cards of today. The
Fool, therefore, makes an ideal guide and is often called the Pathfinder.

Symbols:

The white rose: roses symbolize passion, however, white,

the traditional color for purity, together with the way the Fool delicately
holds the flower, indicates the passions raised to a higher level. The icy
peaks represent abstract principles. Being open to the unexpected relates to
the planet Uranus.

KEYWORDS: TRUST, FAITH, NEW BEGINNING, STAY OPEN.
SPONTANEITY

**********

I THE MAGICIAN

MERCURY

As we continue our journey, the next character we meet is the

Magician, number I of the Major Arcana, who is associated with the planet
Mercury. Mercury rules communication and The Magician represents the
power to communicate your thoughts, feelings, ideas, and desires.

With his Magic Wand, the Magician channels higher forces from

above then directs this energy onto the physical plane below via the four
sacred tools on his table – the Wand, the Pentacle (or Coin), the Sword,
and the Cup.

These objects represent the four elements: fire, earth, air, and water

as well as the four suits in the Minor Arcana. They also constitute your
four powers:

Water, symbolized by the Cup represents your power to feel and

relates to your emotions, creativity, subconscious, and intuition.

Air, symbolized by the Sword represents your power to make

choices and relates to your intellect; your ability to think and rationalize.
When used negatively the sword turns against us as well as others thus
becoming a defensive weapon. When used positively it can be used to cut
through illusion in order to reveal the clarity of truth.

Fire, symbolized by the Wand represents your power to grow and

relates to inspiration, enthusiasm, movement, self-actualization and
fulfillment.

Earth, symbolized by the Pentacle represents your power to

manifest and relates to areas such as work, money, crafts, study, skills; the
ability to meet your physical plane needs.

The Magician relates to the power of the mind and the influence

your thoughts have in creating your destiny. He has all the tools he needs
to create what he wants. He represents your ability to channel information
or energy from the universe by aligning your thoughts to your higher
purpose. In this way you gain clarity of thought so that what you create is
what you truly want not what you think you may want.

The Magician also indicates the importance of communication.

The more you align with your higher self, the clearer a channel you can be
and the better you can communicate.

The Magician in a reading indicates that you have all the tools you

need to accomplish what you set out to do. Maybe you will be channeling
new information or writing a book. Visualize what you want and go for it.
It’s also a good time to hone your communication skills. Ask the universe
for what you want and you will probably get it.

Symbols:

The horizontal eight over the Magician's head refers to

the infinite as well as dominion on the material plane. The serpent girdle
represents wisdom and eternity. The white lilies symbolize spiritual
unfoldment.

KEYWORDS: COMMUNICATION, CLARITY, CHANNELING,
CREATING YOUR DESTINY

********

II THE HIGH PRIESTESS

MOON

With The High Priestess we see the first female image of the Major

Arcana. As a feminine symbol she represents receptivity and the need to
go within for guidance and calm.

The High Priestess sits between two pillars, one black and the

other white, They and the number two signify the emergence of duality.
The letters on the columns are J and B symbolizing Joachim the
affirmation and Boaz the negation. The High Priestess represents the
equalizing force between the two and the ability we have to find the still
quiet place within that transcends the opposites.

The High Priestess also represents opening to your psychic abilities

and is ruled by the moon, the planet associated with the feminine, the
intuition, as well as the subconscious, and dreams.

The scroll on her lap contains sacred information, sometimes

referred to as the Akashic Records. The Akashic Records are a memory or
recording of the past events of all mental and physical states, which are
indelibly impressed in the subconscious. The word Torah refers to the
Hebrew Torah and means the law, referring to cosmic law. This
association with memory would lend another possible interpretation of this
card. The appearance of the High Priestess could also indicate the need to
get in touch with a memory that is surfacing.

You can access the powers of the High Priestess through

meditation since this is one of her attributes. She also represents the need

to be grounded, centered and receptive. From her robe flows the stream of
life which will appear thoughout the Tarot deck. It represents the
unconscious waters of the psyche, our connection to the source of life
itself.

When you receive the High Priestess in a reading know that this is

a time to be receptive and to honor a deeper part of yourself. The High
Priestess indicates an intuitive cycle so it is important to take time to go
within. Think of this as an opportunity to tap into and develop your
intuitive state of inner knowing.

Be careful not to take sides at this time. Rather learn to put yourself

in the other person’s shoes in order to cultivate a deeper understanding of
the other. Nothing is ever just black or white. Look for the grays, the
middle ground and unifying thread.

Most importantly just be aware that this is a more passive,

receptive, intuitive cycle. Use this time to tap into inner wisdom and
guidance. The main message of the High Priestess is to trust and follow
your intuition,

More Symbols:

The red pomegranates indicate feminine

fruitfulness, green palms suggest the masculine polarity. The solar cross
symbolizes the union of positive (upright) and negative (horizontal) male
and female..active and passive.

KEYWORDS; INTUITION, MEDITATION, INNER
GUIDANCE, MEMORY

********

III THE EMPRESS

VENUS

As we look at the number three Major Arcana we see a pregnant

woman seated in a lush, beautiful garden. A large heart is at her side with
the glyph for the planet Venus. The Empress symbolizes the universal
feminine principle in nature, the mother and nurturer of life. Whereas the
High Priestess reveals the mysteries of life, the Empress demonstrates the
earthy, fertile qualities of the Goddess.

Astrologically the planet Venus relates to love and beauty. Love is

the unifying force that connects us all and forms the basis of all life. In
order to truly love others we must first learn to love and accept ourselves.

The Empress represents your ability to give and receive love as well as to
follow your heart.

The Empress relates to Mother Earth and has to do with mothering

and nurturing. She symbolizes your inner female as well as your
relationship with your mother. The Empress could relate to issues with
your mother, as well as how you feel about women, or how you feel about
being a woman if you are one. Mothering signifies your ability to nurture
both yourself as well as others, including your creative ideas. Another
aspect of The Empress is the power of the creative imagination. She is
pregnant with ideas and possibilities.

When you acknowledge the feminine you honor the Goddess. By

loving yourself you take time to nurture the spirit within as well as re-
establish harmony with Mother Earth and all of nature. Through the energy
of the Empress you find what has heart and meaning then nurture that. As
number three The Empress signifies your ability to balance the emotions
through compassion, understanding, love, and acceptance.

The Empress teaches self-love and appreciation. If you did not

receive the love and nurturing you needed as a child, you need to learn
how to give that to yourself.

And finally, The Empress also signifies abundance and

appreciation. As you express your appreciation you open yourself up to
more abundance in the world. There is a saying “Abundance is an attitude.
And the attitude is gratitude”

When you receive this card in a reading, know that it is time to

honor your feminine nature. Take time to nurture and love yourself. This
will help harmonize your emotions. The Empress indicates a creative time,
abundant with possibilities. If you are a woman this would indicate a
fertile time for you as well.

Symbols:

The Empress wears a necklace of nine pearls

symbolizing the nine planets; the crown is made of 12 stars representing
the zodiac. The grain beneath her feat is in reference to the goddess ruling
agriculture.

KEYWORDS; NURTURING, SUPPORTING, MOTHERING,
APPRECIATION, SELF-LOVE, CREATIVITY AND ABUNDANCE

**********

IV THE EMPEROR

ARIES

The Emperor is considered to be the archetypal or universal male

principle. He symbolizes qualities such as leadership, authority,
pioneering, building, stabilizing, and organizing. The Emperor can also
relate to your inner male or father issues in your life. Looked at in terms of
male/female energies, the Empress is the anima and the Emperor is the
animus.

The Emperor of the Rider deck is dressed in a red robe, the color of

Aries. He sits solidly on a gray, cubic-looking throne which symbolizes
the square of truth. The axiom for the Emperor is, “To thine own self be
true”. The scepter in his hand forms the shape of an extended ankh, the
Egyptian symbol for life. It is also a modified symbol for the planet Venus
demonstrating that he rules with love. In front of his throne are two rams
heads, also symbols of Aries.

Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, represents independence,

initiative, as well as leadership. Its red, fiery, yang influence on the
Emperor lends great power and dynamism. Aries refers to the spring
when the seeds, which were once planted, burst forth and can be seen. It
gives another meaning to the Emperor, that of being able to oversee or
supervise your endeavors as well as manifesting your creative ideas and
visions. The Emperor signifies the outward, visible manifestation of the
creative process and is linked with the conscious mind.

In it’s pure form the Emperor rules, controls, and executes the

power of authority. From him comes the ability to initiate and organize
projects as well as to manifest the ideas that originate from the energy of
the Empress. He symbolizes the capacity to actualize your creative
potential. He deals with structure and putting what has heart and meaning
into action.

When you receive this card in a reading know that you have the

power to manifest what you envision. Take time to ground and cultivate
your ideas. Meditate on the Emperor to energize your leadership abilities.
Maintain your integrity. Be true to yourself. The Emperor also indicates
confidence.

As mentioned before, the Emperor could reflect your relationship

with your father and the Empress to your mother. You might want to look
at how your relationship with your parents affects your relationship with
other authority figures. Also remember that male and female energies are
within each of us. The goal is to balance these energies so that they work
harmoniously together. As Shakti Gawain explains, the role of our inner

masculine energy is to support the inner feminine by acting on our ideas
and intuition as well as honoring our feelings.

Symbols:

The symbols have been mentioned already. Red refers

to Aries and action. The gray sold cube is a symbol of truth and order as
well as orderly thinking. His scepter is an elongated ankh, the Egyptian
symbol for life. It looks like the glyph for the planet Venus signifying that
he rules with love.

KEYWORDS; LEADERSHIP, PIONEERING, BUILDING,

DOING, STABILIZING, MANIFESTING, SUPERVISION

********

V THE HIEROPHANT

TAURUS

As you look at the Hierophant card, notice the similarities between

he and the High Priestess. Both are dressed in ritual attire and sit between
two pillars. The Hierophant looks like a spiritual or religious figure. He
sits on a throne before two monks and seems to be delivering a message.
On one level the Hierophant represents organized religion as well as
dogmatic belief systems. Yet on another level the Hierophant relates to the
spiritual being within, our own higher self.

The word "Hierophant" means "revealer of sacred things" or one

who interprets sacred rites. The Hierophant represents our inner teacher
and relates to teaching and learning. As the male counterpart to the High
Priestess, he also signifies the need to listen to and follow your intuition.

The Hierophant is ruled by the sign of Taurus. Taurus rules the

throat and the Hierophant refers to speaking your truth, vocalizing what
has heart and meaning for you. There is a formula I learned form
anthropologist and symbolist, Angeles Arrien, that gives a formula for
speaking your truth. It is part of what she calls the four-fold path and states
the following. Speak your truth without blame or judgment and don’t be
attached to the outcome.

The Hierophant relates to your belief systems as suggested by the

religious figure of the Hierophant himself. This card sometimes indicates
the need to look at any rigid or dogmatic belief systems you may have that
were imposed on you by religious or other authority figures in your life.
Taurus is a fixed sign and Taurean people have a tendency to be stubborn.
One of the lessons of the Hierophant is to maintain flexibility, to let go of
any limiting belief systems or patterns in your life. The fives in the deck
all show areas of challenge, struggle, and lessons in life.

When you get the Hierophant in a reading remember to stay open

to and trust your intuition. Regardless of whether you are formally
teaching or taking classes you may find yourself learning a lot as well as
being a teacher for others in your everyday situations.

The Hierophant could indicate a state of transition. Be open to

making adjustments in your life. Be careful of any stubbornness, rigidity,
or limiting ways of thinking. You may want to re-examine some of your
values and basic attitudes about life. The energy of the Hierophant tends to
be traditional and conservative. You may find yourself drawn to more
conservative or ceremonial dress. This also may be a time of honoring
tradition or ritual in your life.

Symbols: The gray of the pillars and background indicates wisdom and
here symbolizes the blending of all pairs of opposites, the crosses on the
feet also indicate this union of opposites. His two uplifted fingers
symbolize the need to be patient on our path of learning, that in time what
we need to know will be revealed to us. The staff symbolizes the
dominion of the Life-Power through the planes of nature. The two
novitiates represent the students. The red-orange of his robe is the color of
Taurus. The gold keys represent the keys to heaven and the powers of the
superconscious.

KEYWORDS; TEACHING, LEARNING, LESSONS,
CHALLENGES, BELIEF SYSTEMS, NEED FOR FLEXIBILITY,
TRADITION AND RITUAL

********

VI THE LOVERS

GEMINI

As you look at the Lovers card you will see the first of three

archangels that appear in the Major Arcana. This is the Archangel Raphael
who is the archangel of healing. I’m going to refer to this a little later on.
You will also see a scene that resembles the Garden of Eden. Pictured is a
naked man and woman, a tree with a serpent wrapped around it, and
another tree with fiery looking leaves.

The Lovers card depicts the mystical marriage and the symbolic

union of your inner male and female. Ruled by Gemini, the twins, the
Lovers card indicates the need to follow what has heart and meaning for
you when making choices and decisions in your life.

The Lovers card asks you to look at how you make decisions. Are

they based on what you truly want to do or by what you think you should

do? For whatever you decide on is what you will be devoting a long time
to. Therefore you might as well choose something you love to do.

The Lovers card also deals with relationships in your life. For

example, when in a relationship what does the other person mirror about
you? At this point I want to refer back to Archangel Raphael as the
archangel of healing. Marriage expert and author, Harville Hendrix states
that our love relationships have a hidden purpose, which is the healing of
childhood wounds. How appropriate that the archangel of healing should
be depicted in this card. Relationship is a path towards healing.
Relationship teaches you to move beyond controlling, defense mechanisms
in order to truly love someone else as well as yourself.

The card shows the man, the conscious mind, looking to the

woman, the subconscious mind, who looks to the angel, the
superconscious or the higher self. The Archangel Raphael represents the
unifying force between the two opposites, the balancing of your internal
male and female.

When this card appears in a reading you will most likely be faced

with a significant decision in your life. You may be deciding to move on to
a new career, or perhaps it is time to open to a love relationship. Whatever
your choice may be follow your heart and intuition rather than what you
think you should do. Usually this card implies a decision of import that
will affect you for a long time to come. Therefore, isn’t it best that you
make your choice based on what will make you happy and vibrant.

Symbols:

The tree behind the woman is the Tree of knowledge

of good and evil, and behind the man, the Tree of human Life... the twelve
fiery fruit represent the signs of the zodiac. Up the Tree of knowledge
climbs the serpent of sensation. The serpent also symbolizes wisdom. The
mountain represents the abode of the gods and the way
of attainment. The Archangel Raphael presides over the Superconscious
and relates to the element air.

KEYWORDS; IMPORTANT DECISION, RELATIONSHIPS,
FOLLOW WHAT HAS HEART AND MEANING

********

The Chariot

CANCER

The chariot in this picture represents the personality and the

charioteer, the soul. This card depicts the appropriate relationship between
the soul and personality – that of the surrender of the personality to the
soul as a means to self-mastery.

The Chariot has to do with movement, change, self-mastery,

direction, mobility, and alignment with your higher will and purpose. No.
7 symbolizes a level of mastery and victory with your growth.

The Chariot is a vehicle of motion and change. It is also a vehicle

of the Spirit for its activity in manifestation. Cancer rules the home and the
Chariot could refer to a change in your home environment. It could also
refer to a time of movement and traveling.

The lunar crescents on his shoulders relate to the Moon, ruler of

Cancer and suggest the need to pay attention to your dreams. You could
receive intuitive guidance and messages through your dreams at this time.

The influence of Cancer increases your psychic, intuitive

awareness as well as heightens emotions and creativity. The more you
learn to connect with your higher self the more you will be able to
acknowledge and honor your emotions without being controlled by them.

The Chariot also indicates that it's a good time to look at how your

thoughts, feelings and beliefs impact the direction in which you are
headed.

Also notice that the animals are not horses. They are sphinxes

which implies that you need to use creativity to manifest what you want.
It's best to select something you passionately love to do and do it in a
different way.

When you receive this card in a reading it could indicate a move or

travel. Or you may want to upgrade or redecorate your home. Sometimes
the Chariot also refers to your car or vehicle. You may find that your
dream life is more active. Remember to keep a journal and look to your
dreams for any messages of guidance.

Other Symbols:

The starry canopy represents the celestial

forces, the forces which surround the earth, and seem to be above us in the
sky. It also represents the subtle metaphysical forces which are above the

level of the personality. The red symbols on the shield in front of the
chariot represents the Hindu lingam-yoni, typifying the positive and
negative forces in action(red). Above the shield is a variation of the
Egyptian winged globe-symbols of aspiration.

KEYWORDS; MOVEMENT, CHANGE, SELF-MASTERY,
DIRECTION, ALIGNMENT WITH HIGHER WILL AND
PURPOSE, HARNESSING ENERGY

********

Exercise:

The following exercise was inspired by Mary Greer and Nina Lee

Braden and will help facilitate learning.

Have a pen and a Tarot journal ready.

Settle into a comfortable meditating position. Center and ground

yourself. Take a few slow, deep breaths and allow your body to relax. Let
all tension float away. Imagine that you surround yourself with a protective
white light. Ask that only the highest love, wisdom, and guidance be with
you.

Look at the card and in your own words describe what you see.

Next become a figure or object in the card. Notice how you feel. What

are you doing and what is going on around you?

Imagine that you dialogue with figures in the card. Use free-association

and intuitive writing when relating to the images of the card. You can even
make up a story.

Notice colors, shapes and symbols of the cards. Do they hold any

meaning for you?

What message does the card hold for you? And what can you do to

actualize that message?

Reflections on this lesson

How do you feel about the cards so far? Take some time to do the

exercise suggested above.

Record your insights and any other comments in your journal as

well as any questions you may have so far. Remember to date your
readings so that you can refer to them later if need be. Now you are ready
to do a layout reading also knows as a spread. Go to the next page to see a
lay out for The Daily Spread

The Daily Spread

(from The Tarot Handbook by Angeles Arrien)

Body Mind Soul

Position 1 Soul: What the soul wants you to look at. Shows spiritual
support in manifesting either a talent or in moving through a challenge.

Position 2 Mind: Your current quality of thinking, attitudes, and beliefs.
How you are judging yourself or others.

Position 3 Body: Reflects how you will manifest what you want in the
external world. The physical environment.

This is a simple spread created by Angeles Arrien called the Daily

Spread. It can be found in her book, “The Tarot Handbook” I suggest that
you do a daily reading for yourself as much as possible for awhile to
familiarize yourself with the cards. This layout can either be done in the
morning or the evening. If you do it in the morning, tune into the day
ahead of you and ask for guidance on the day. If done in the evening, use it
as a way to review and get clarity on the days events, lessons and
opportunities.

1. Use all 78 cards. Hold your cards in your hands. Close your eyes. Take a

few slow, deep breaths and ask for the highest guidance possible. When
you feel ready shuffle the cards until you feel you have shuffled enough.

2. Now you can cut the cards face down into three piles, stack one pile onto

another and turn over the top three and place them face-up before you.

3. Or you can fan the cards with the cards face down. Guide your non-

dominant hand over the cards and when you feel ready pick three and turn
them over face-up in front of you.

Now read the cards from right to left. See above illustration.
The card on the right is position 1, the card in the middle is position 2, and
the card on the left is position 3.
The meanings of the positions are as follows.

Card #1 shows your spiritual support for the day. If a problematic card
appears in this position it would indicate that you have spiritual
resources/assistance available to help you work through this.
Card #2 reflects your attitude, beliefs, and quality of thinking.
Card#3 shows how you can manifest what you want in the external world.

When doing this spread as an evening review you would look at it as how
you were assisted internally during the day, card #1. Card #2 indicates a
review of your attitudes and beliefs for the day. And Card#3 indicates the
quality of action, behavior, and creativity that was exhibited that day.



Healing From Within

Tarot for Personal and Spiritual Growth

Esther Susan Goldman, M.A.

www.healingfromwithin.com

Lesson 3

Major Arcana cards 8-14
Lifetime soul and personality cards
Yearly growth cards
Review

THE 8-11 CONTROVERSY

Traditionally dating from 1700, Justice was numbered 8 and Strength
number 11. In 1910 occult scholar Arthur Edward Waite published the
Rider deck making Justice
number 11 and Strength number 8. Both numbering systems are used
today.

VIII STRENGTH

LEO

The image of the Strength card shows a woman dressed in white

leaning over and holding a lion’s mouth. The woman has an infinity sign
(horizontal figure eight) over her head similar to the Magician. The
woman’s face shows gentility, compassion, patience and respect. She uses
no force to hold the lion’s mouth. The lion looks up at her with love in its
eyes. There is a definite cooperation between the two. There is gentleness
in this kind of strength rather than force. Quite a bit different than our
usual way of thinking of strength or taming a lion

The woman represents your higher self and the lion your

personality. The card demonstrates the appropriate relationship between
the two. The woman reflects the need for your adult self to accept all parts
of your personality including those that are less evolved. Its interesting
because this forms the basis of inner child healing, Inner child healing
identifies the less developed part of yourself as the inner child that needs
love, compassion, and understanding.

Leo rules the heart and it is through the heart that you can truly

love and accept yourself as well as others. Notice the woman does not try

to repress or control the lower instincts but with compassion works with
the animal.

The number eight forms a spiral symbolizing the axiom as above

so below. This also symbolizes the idea that our outer world is a mirror of
our inner reality.

In a reading this card points to a strengthening time. A time of

being patient with yourself and others. It indicates a need for courage and
fortitude to persevere with any project. It also advises the need for self-
acceptance, compassion, understanding, and patience. It would give you
the energy and endurance to surmount any obstacles. The Strength card
could also indicate a passion and vitality for life. In terms of romance it
could indicate sexual attraction and arousal.

Symbols:

Horizontal eight is a symbol of the Holy spirit. It

means dominion on the material plane because one of the oldest symbols
of matter is a horizontal line. Around her waist is a chain of roses twisted
so as to form another figure eight--signifies artistic adaptation (chain) of
desire (roses). The Yellow here is considered the color of Leo. The white
of her gown represents purity.

KEYWORDS; COMPASSION, PASSION, SELF-LOVE AND
ACCEPTANCE, FORTITUDE, PATIENCE

********

IX The HERMIT

VIRGO

The card of the Hermit depicts a white-haired man in a cape

standing on top of a mountain peak. He holds a lantern with an illuminated
star in his right hand and a staff or walking stick in the other. One gets the
feeling that this is an old soul shining the light of wisdom upon us.

Numerologically, the number nine is the last digit in a cycle and

symbolizes completion as well as attainment. The Hermit has traveled as
far as the conscious mind can reach in terms of awareness for now. It is
time to blend both the spiritual knowledge as well as the earthly
experience obtained up to this point. The image suggests that it is time to
withdraw for awhile in order to reflect and assimilate what has been
learned from the various stages along the way.

The Hermit represents a time of retreat from the world and outer

activities. It indicates the need for solitude in order to make room for
reflection, contemplation, and a deeper understanding.

The Hermit represents the wise part of yourself who you can turn

to for inner guidance and inspiration. Sometimes referred to as the way
shower, the Hermit lights your path as well as that of others along the way.
This service to humanity corresponds with the attributes of the zodiacal
sign of Virgo.

When the Hermit appears in a reading, your career and social life

will probably slow down for awhile. It's as though the universe complies
with the needed cycle of introspection. If you are someone who likes being
constantly active, don’t despair. No cycle lasts forever. Think of this as a
temporary resting stop. Use this time to your advantage by turning your
attention inward. You may even want to go on a retreat. Consider this an
opportunity to meditate and reflect on your life.

Symbols:

The color blue in the background represents spiritual

contact with the ONE through meditation. The six-pointed star
symbolizes union. His staff suggests a
wizard's staff, reminiscent of the wand of the Magician. (The Magician is
ruled by Mercury. And Virgo which rules the Hermit is itself ruled by
Mercury.)

KEYWORDS; INTROSPECTION, SOLITUDE, COMPLETION
AND ATTAINMENT

********

X THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE

JUPITER

Number ten signifies the end of a cycle and the beginning of a new

one. As one cycle ends, so does another begin. The Wheel of Fortune, with
its benevolent Jupiterian influence indicates a turn for the better. It offers a
sense of hope and optimism. Jupiter’s qualities are that of expansion. The
Wheel of Fortune can indicate good fortune, abundance, prosperity and
opportunity.

The wheel in the center of the card has the letters ROTA TARO

ORAT TORA ATOR placed around the wheel which means the following.
ROTA means wheel, Taro refers to Tarot, ORAT means speaks, and Ator
is an old Latin form of the name of the Egyptian goddess Hathor.
Therefore this sentence can be read "The Wheel of Tarot speaks the Law
of Hathor or The Law of Nature.

The four mystical creatures on the corners are sometimes called

‘the guardians of heaven” and correspond to the four elements. They also
represent the four fixed signs of the zodiac. According to Tarot author
Rachel Pollack, these symbolize the mysteries of the physical world which
can only be truly understood by learning the secret truths. The mystical
creatures also represent the fixed, eternal modes of the One Reality which
remains permanent with the changes of the wheel.

The configuration of a wheel elicits a myriad of symbolic images

and meanings from rotating heavenly planets to microscopic atoms all
partaking in the great cycle of evolution. Like a mandala that draws us to
its center, this card reminds us to remain centered when moving along in
life. Without an internal connection to the source we leave ourselves
vulnerable to the ever- changing external forces along the outside of the
wheel where we could fall off and get hurt. The Wheel reminds us that
when in the midst of change it’s best to move to the center of the wheel -
in other words remain centered, flexible, and open to new opportunities.

The Wheel also speaks of destiny, turning points, change, and can

even refer to expansion of one’s vision and outlook.

When the Wheel of Fortune appears in your reading consider it a

sign marking the advent of some beneficial power. If you have been ill the
wheel could indicate a return to health.

The wheel often indicates a time of expansion and new

opportunities. Use this time to broaden your perspective and open to
abundance. The wheel could indicate a go ahead for a new project. Since
the wheel indicates the completion of a cycle and the beginning of another,
you might want to take time to tie up any loose ends. This will create
space for the new to come into your life.

Other Symbols:

The yellow serpent represents the serpent power.

Hermanubis (hermes-Anubis), jackal-headed Egyptian God represents
evolution of consciousness from lower to higher forms. The sphinx
signifies the real Self behind the veil of personality. The wheel in the
picture symbolizes the whole cycle of cosmic expression as well as any
series of events.

KEYWORDS; BEGINNING AND ENDING OF CYCLE, OPEN TO
NEW OPPORTUNITIES, EXPANSION

********

XI JUSTICE

LIBRA

Justice is ruled by the zodiacal sign of Libra and concerns itself

with balance, arbitration, and trying to be fair or do what is right. It also
relates to karma - the law of cause and effect. Nature follows a pattern and
when something disturbs the balance, it naturally acts to remedy it.
Balance as suggested by the scales is brought about by equalizing opposite
forces.

Justice appears when it is time to adjust or balance your life in

some way. For example: If you have been overly active and external you
may need to balance that with more internal, less active time. Perhaps, you
have been spending too much money and now it is time to cut back. Or
you may need to balance your inner male and female.

Justice also has to do with negotiating and arbitrating, playing the

middle person. It could indicate involvement in a legal situation.

In her right hand she holds the sword of decision and in her left the

scales of equality and impartiality. The sword is often a symbol of cutting
through any falsity or illusion in order to render the truth.

Justice also implies a sense of responsibility accountability and

honesty.

In a reading Justice can imply the need to make adjustments in

your life. The need to balance anything that has been in excess.

Justice could also indicate some type of litigation. For example, it

might be the finalization of a legal document. Or it might be that it is time
to settle accounts.

Justice asks that you take responsibility for your actions, that you

be forthright, truthful and fair.

Other Symbols

: According to Rachel Pollack, the imagery of

the Justice card combines the Magician and the High Priestess. “The
woman seated between two pillars with a veil between them suggests the
High Priestess, but her red robe, and her posture, one arm up, one arm
down, implies the Magician.” Red implies action and from the High
Priestess we get wisdom. The purple veil signifies inner wisdom. The
yellow crown, hair, and background signify mental force.

KEYWORDS; BALANCE, ADJUSTMENTS, EQUILIBRIUM,
ARBITRATION

XII THE HANGED MAN

WATER/NEPTUNE

You now see the image of a man hanging upside down from a tree

in the shape of a T. There is a sphere of light around his head. Although
this image may look upsetting, the face of the Hanged Man looks calm and
certainly not in any pain.

The Hanged Man refers to the suspended mind and the need to

suspend the usual way of doing and thinking about things. The card
indicates a need to view things from a different perspective. If you were to
assume this position you certainly would see things from a different point
of view. The message of the Hanged Man implies that by hanging loose
and letting go of one’s usual way of operating, we allow for a new light of
clarity and illumination to present itself.

The Hanged Man asks you to surrender to something greater than

yourself - to surrender your personal consciousness to the direction of the
universal or higher mind.

Tarot author, Angeles Arrien calls this card the “Pattern Breaker”

who appears at times when you need to break destructive and limiting
patterns. Usually it takes a complete reversal of one’s way of thinking in
order to achieve this change.

The Hanged Man is ruled by the element water. Water slows things

down as you would know if you ever walked through it. It requires
patience. The Hanged Man suggests the need to slow down, simplify, get
down to basics. The planet Neptune suggests the need to tune into the
higher mind. Neptune is associated with water as in the mythological god
of the sea. Neptune is also associated with mysticism and having a direct
spiritual experience.

Other meanings of this card are the need to stop over thinking a

situation and to let go of the rational mind for awhile, the need to let go of
control and the need to reflect in order to be clear.

When the Hanged Man appears in a reading it indicates a time to

de-activate and slow down. Don’t do anything rash. It’s best not to make
any decisions at this time. Rather you are being asked to be patient and
wait until you receive clarity. This is a good time to simplify, get down to
basics, and just take care of the business at hand. Meditate and give your
mind a rest. Do nothing. Withdraw from people. Be quiet. Hang loose.
You may want to ask yourself, "What are am I hung up about?"

Symbols

: The Hanged Man hangs from a T- cross which,

according to Rachel Pollack, is the bottom half of the Egyptian ankh and
symbol of life. The Hanged Man’s upper garment is blue, the color of
water and of the robe of the High Priestess. It symbolizes the universal
mind-stuff. The red color is that of action and of fire. It relates to the
worldy logic of the the Emperor reversed. The golden light around his
head indicates the illumination that can be reached when surrendering the
personal conciousness to the direction of the Universal or Higher Mind.

KEYWORDS; GET A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW, DE-
ACTIVATE, SURRENDER TO PROCESS....ALSO HAS TO DO
WITH BREAKING PATTERNS.

********

XIII DEATH

SCORPIO

Although this card may look scary, it does not imply physical

death. Rather it refers to a time of transition, a major change or
transformation. It symbolizes letting go in order to move into a new state
of being.

Death is ruled by the zodiacal sign of Scorpio. Scorpio is often

represented by the symbol of a snake shedding its skin as well as the
phoenix, a spiritual bird that rises from the ashes. Scorpio is also a sign of
great intensity and healing.

This card often represents a change of attitudes and beliefs as well

as a letting go of old habits. It can indicate that some way of life no longer
suits your new growth pattern.

Death can also bring up your deepest fears in order to face them

and work through them. However, even when facing your fears it helps to
remember that nothing is ever permanent. The one constant you can
depend on is change. You may be feeling fear today but tomorrow you
may feel renewal.

Death symbolizes the principle of letting go and moving forward,

release and detachment. It is the ultimate surrender. For it is by letting go
that you are able to give birth to new forms.

When you get this card in a reading you could be in the midst of a

great change. It could be liberating but it could also arouse fear. Your
attitude and perspective of the situation will determine how you respond.

See this time as an opportunity to work through fears and

insecurities. It helps to be kind and nurturing to yourself. Affirmations
help as well as reading inspirational books. Remember to love and accept
all parts of yourself even the parts in process of change. Know that you are
always being Divinely guided and that you can all upon the Light or your
guardian angel to help and protect you.

Symbols:

The king, struck down represents the rigid ego. The priest

stands and faces death directly which shows the value of having a code of
belief to help relinquish the fear of death. The maiden signifies partial
innocence. This is because the ego, although not rigid, is still aware of
itself, and therefore unwilling to surrender. The child symbolizes total
innocence and faces death with a simple offering of flowers. The white
rose stands for the desires purified for when the ego dies, selfish and
repressive needs die with it.

KEYWORDS; CHANGE, TRANSITION, LETTING GO,
RELEASE, MOVING FORWARD

********

XIV TEMPERANCE

SAGITTARIUS

In the Rider-Waite deck we see the Archangel Michael standing

with one foot in water and the other on land. He looks calm as he pours
water from one cup to another.

Temperance refers to balance, integration, moderation, and

harmony. It also represents the process of trial and error, experimentation,
and testing what you have learned.

This card symbolizes the process of combining new ideas,

materials, and resources into something new and creative as well as
applying what you have learned so that you can see what works.

It also signifies the need to integrate different aspects of yourself.

We bring opposing and conflicting forces together by tempering and
exercising moderation.

Temperance implies the union of two or more principles which

combined, can create a greater whole. An example of this would be the
combining of the elements fire and water to produce steam.

Temperance represents following the middle path, finding balance

and moderation in your activities and emotions.

A deeper meaning of this card (which I found in the book “Jewels

of the Wise” by the Holy Order of Mans) is symbolized by the contrast of
fire and water. The key is in how you use opposing forces in life which is
not to react against, but to seek a way to use these forces for the general
good.

Sagittarius is a fire sign. Its symbol is the archer who draws his

bow and arrow. In another version of this deck the Archangel had a
rainbow over his head signifying the “bow of promise”. This deck shows
the rainbow iris flowers, in reference to Iris, the Greek goddess of the
rainbow.

In a reading, Temperance would indicate a need to maintain

balance as well as the need for moderation. You may be being asked to
harmonize a situation. Your patience may be tested and if so you will need
to remain calm. This also could be a creative time. A time of
experimenting with and blending new ideas or materials.

Symbols:

Michael is the archangel of fire and the sun. The irises

signify hope. The crown symbolizes attainment and mastery. The twin
peaks mean wisdom and understanding. Michael has a solar symbol on his
head. The white robe signifies purity and wisdom.

KEYWORDS: EXPERIMENTATION, HARMONIZATION,
BLENDING, TRIAL AND ERROR, MODERATION

********

Exercise:

Discovering your lifetime Soul and Personality Cards

The following exercise was created by Angeles Arrien and can be

found in her book “The Tarot Handbook”. It was later developed and
expanded upon by Mary Greer. Mary devoted an entire book, “Tarot
Constellations” to this subject.

This exercise involves adding together the month, day, and year of

your birthday.

Example: 7
22
1962
1991

Next you add the numbers across. For example in this situation you

would add
1 + 9 + 9 + 1 = 20

You then keep any number from 22-1 since those numbers would

correspond with the 22 Major Arcana. That number corresponds to your
personality card. For example in this situation the resulting number is 20
which corresponds with the 20th Major Arcana card of Judgement.

Next you add together 2 + 0 = 2. This next number corresponds

with your Soul card. In this situation it is the second Major Arcana card,
The High Priestess.

If your number adds up to more than 22 you would need to reduce

that number since there are only 22 Major Arcana cards. For example: July
11, 1960.
7
11
1960
1978 = 25

1 + 9 + 7 + 8 = 25. You would then reduce that number by adding

it together. 2 + 5 = 7 (The Chariot). In this situation the seventh Major
Arcana, The Chariot, would be both your Personality and Soul card.
According to Mary Greer this means that you are specifically working on
your soul purpose this lifetime which would make you more focused and
directed.

A special case to this is with the occurrence of the number 19 as

your first number. In this situation you would have three cards. For
example:

1
16
1964
1981 = 1 + 9 + 8 + 1 = 19 = 10 = 1 = 0 = 1

The Sun, The Wheel of Fortune, The Magician
According to Mary this is a particularly creative path. One in which

the individual must learn to communicate their individual creative
expression.

Another situation that needs to be mentioned is when the birthdate

adds up to 22. 22 correlates to 0 The Fool and is reduced to 4 The
Emperor. However, in this situation 4 The Emperor is the Personality card
and 0 The Fool is the Soul card.

Yearly Growth Card

Another numerological exercise you can do is to find your yearly

growth card. Your yearly growth card represents the tests, lessons, and
experiences you will go through that year. To determine this you would
add the day, month, and current year of your birthday.

For example: 2
20
1999
2021 = 5 (The Hierophant)

When you determine your yearly growth card, you keep the highest
number under 23. (Reminder, 22=The Fool) The resulting number
represents your yearly growth card.

Review

Continue to work with your cards either by pulling one card for the

day or by doing a Daily Spread. Notice if any cards show up more than
once. Many times the same card will appear repeatedly within a short span
of time. If this happens be sure to make note of it. Any card that appears
more than once places more emphasis on the message of that card. When
shuffling your cards, notice if any cards fall out of the deck? Make note of
this as well.

Are there any cards so far that you relate to more than others? If so,

what about them appeals to you? Do they remind you of anything in your
life? Are there any cards that frighten you or bring up resistance? Just
observe your reactions to the cards and record in your journal.

Could you relate to your lifetime soul and personality cards? How

do you feel about them? Do they mirror anything that you notice in your
life and if so, what?

Healing From Within

Tarot for Personal and Spiritual Growth

Susan Goldman Eller, M.A.

www.healingfromwithin.com

Lesson 4

Major Arcana cards 15-21
Exercise: Entering A Card
Review

THE DEVIL

CAPRICORN

Now here’s a dark looking image for you. We see two people, a

man and a woman who are chained to one another. Behind them is a
strange winged creature that is part human, part goat. There is an inverted
pentagram above him.

The Devil represents facing your shadow self as well as limitations,

especially self-limitations, addictions, and obsessions.

Some of the meanings of this card refer to negation of self such as

self-denial, shame, and guilt, especially guilt around sexuality. It could
also refer to denial of the inner, spiritual nature. The Devil could appear if
you are in an abusive situation or are abusive yourself.

The Devil relates to how people keep themselves in bondage and in

victim consciousness. It symbolizes the need to acknowledge the so-called
beast within as a key to understanding one’s inner nature and instincts . An
example of this would be thinking that these parts of yourself are ugly,
terrible, fearful, dark, negative, etc.

This way of thinking only keeps you in bondage and under the

control of subconscious fears. The only way out of darkness is to go
through it. There is a saying, “what you resist, persists”.

Another meaning of The Devil relates to the importance of humor

and not taking yourself too seriously. Laughter dispels darkness and with it
is an accompanying release that helps you view the situation from a clearer
perspective.

When you add 1 and 5 across you get 6, the number of the Lover's

card. Notice the similarities in the cards. But the Lover's card shows
people who are free to express their individualities without fear or
victimization.

Capricorn relates to crystallization, materialization, and

manifestation on the earth plane. With the Devil card, this could put an
emphasis on money and status.

The Devil also warns about the misuse of power. The energy of the

Devil occurs when power is used only to placate the selfish desires of the
ego whether they material, sexual, or political.

The Devil in a reading demonstates an area in your life that may be

blocked or repressed. It often advises a need to lighten up and to free
yourself from self-limitations. It could also symbolize addictive or abusive
tendencies. If you are feeling powerless then know you have an
opportunity to take charge of your life. Perhaps it is time to look at your
thinking patterns and see how you may better use your energy and power.

Symbols:

The Devil's goat horns are a symbol for Capricorn. The

inverted pentagram suggests the reversal of true understanding of man's
place in the cosmos. Also has to do with abuse of power or not realizing
the true source and potential of our power. It's not knowing that we always
have the power of choice - to choose how we think, act, respond etc. His
uplifted right hand has all its fingers open and is in contradiction to the
sign made of the Hierophant which says " What you see is not all there is
to know" The Devil's gesture intimates: What sensation reports is all there
is to it."

KEYWORDS; POWER, LIMITATIONS, ESPECIALLY SELF –
LIMITATIONS OBSESSIONS, ADDICTIONS, DON'T TAKE
YOURSELF SO SERIOUSLY

********

XVI THE TOWER

MARS

As you look at the Tower, a shocking scene appears before you.

Lightning strikes the top of a tower as people fall from its burning
windows. Although this is a scary looking card, the Tower implies
different meanings from catastrophic possibilities to moments of
revelation depending on the individual and the situation.

The Tower, associated with the aggressive planet Mars, is called

the awakener and eye-opener. It represents lightning bolt changes that

shake you to the foundation of your being in order to get to the truth. It
symbolizes the process of liberating yourself from old, limiting, thoughts
that form the foundation of your belief system.

The lightning flash tears down the old false structures and beliefs

you had. It completely upsets your old notions and misconceptions. It
breaks down existing forms in order to make room for new ones.

The Tower, according to Angeles Arrien, also symbolizes

restoration, healing, and renovation. Angeles says that the Tower is the
awakening change needed to dismantle that which is false or conditioned
within your nature. She calls this the process of restructuring old, out-
grown forms of the self in order to heal, renovate, and restore that which is
true in your nature. The awakening of the Tower allows you to see the
deeper, authentic aspects of yourself.

The lightning bolt, which takes the shape of the astrological glyph

of Mars, activates revelation and the destruction of that which is false
around you or within your nature. Used constructively, the effects of the
Tower can provide an opportunity to activate any necessary renovations.

In a reading the Tower can indicate a catastrophe with strong

external results such as what happened to a friend who spent the summer
in Washington state. Before leaving she asked me to give her a reading.
Her significator was the Tower card and I asked her to reconsider because
of a possible mishap. She went anyway and settled near Mt St. Helens a
couple of months before it erupted. It was, unfortunately, a nightmare
experience for her.

Sometimes the effect of the Tower can feel like the rug has been

pulled from under you. While other times the effect is not dramatic at all.
It may just be a warning to start changing things in your life especially
your attitude and beliefs.

Symbols:

The crown knocked from the tower is the materialistic

notion that matter and form are the ruling principles of existence. The
raindrops form the shape of the Hebrew letter Yod. There are twenty two
of them here representing the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew Alphabet
as well as their corresponding forces.

KEYWORDS; RESTRUCTURING, SPIRITUAL AWAKENING,
DISRUPTION, UNEXPECTED CHANGE, LIBERATING, WAKE-
UP CALL

**********

XVII THE STAR

AQUARIUS

After the intensity of the Tower and Devil cards, the Star seems a

refreshing pause along the journey of life. Upon looking at the card you
see a naked woman bent over a pool. She is pouring water from two
pitchers and above her are eight stars.

The Star symbolizes a period of grace and rejuvenation, the calm

after the storm. It can appear after a crisis when it is time to seek renewal.
It also signifies hope.

The Star indicates a need to open your mind to receive an influx of

new possibilities, potentialities, connections, ideas, insights, and
inspiration. It is linked to the process of meditation when you can receive
spiritual guidance and direction. The Star also represents searching for the
truth-your own inner truth which is best received through the process of
meditation.

The Star can also refer to the recognition of your unique

individuality. Each one of us is a star when we discover and live out our
full potential.

Aquarius relates to groups, meditation, and the Aquarian age of

Truth consciousness. When you join with others in a group, each
recognizing your unique gifts to the world, you can create a network of
infinite possibilities. Through meditation you can attain inner peace.
Through group meditation you can create great vortexes of light directed
towards peace and the healing of our planet.

When you receive the Star card in a reading, know that this is a

time of healing and rejuvenation. Take time to nurture yourself and be in
nature. You may want to take a hot bath or sauna. Be open to new
possibilities and connections. Take time to go within and meditate. Allow
new ideas of inspiration to emerge. Also the Star can indicate the calm
after the storm of the Tower card, a period of quest and search.

Symbols:

The bird is a scarlet ibis - an Egyptian bird sacred to

Hermes, the Magician. It's long bill shaped like a fish hook implies fishing
for the truth. It is perched on a tree that represents the human brain and
nervous system, and symbolizes the act of bringing thought process to rest
by concentration which we do when we meditate. The message implies
that when we still the mind the TRUTH reveals itself. The seven smaller
stars symbolize the seven chakras. According to Paul Foster Case, the
great yellow star signifies the cosmic radiant energy which is sent forth

from the various suns and fixed stars of the universe. The pool represents
the universal consciousness.

KEYWORDS; OPEN TO NEW POSSIBILITIES, HEALING,
REJUVENATION, MEDITATION, HOPE

********

XVIII THE MOON

PISCES

Upon looking at this card we see the luminous glow of the moon as

it hangs in the night sky. Two towers, one on each side of the card, mark a
boundary between two different landscapes. In the foreground we see a
crayfish emerging from water, a dog and a coyote howling at the moon. In
the background we can see blue mountains.

The Moon represents intuition, the imagination, messages from

dreams and the subconscious. The Moon often signifies a time of outward
confusion. You may look to the externals but nothing is clear. A Moon
cycle can also bring up subconscious fears. The message of the Moon is
that you need to rely on your intuition to guide you and to have faith that
this time will pass. It's like going through a dark tunnel. You need to trust
that you will reach the light at the other side.

The Moon also represents the journey we must take into the depths

of ourselves as part of our path to enlightenment.

Dreams can be strong at this time bringing insight and revealing

deep emotions that need to be healed.

Pisces, the zodiacal sign associated with the Moon, corresponds to

the element water as in the waters of the subconscious and is symbolized
by the fish, reminiscent of our evolutionary development out of the waters
of primordial life.

When you receive this card as a symbol it is time to be open and

receptive to spiritual guidance. Trust your intuition. Pay attention to your
dreams and keep a journal to help you glean insights from its messages.
Do not look to externals for answers, direction, or clarity. It will only
confuse you. Take time to tune into the lunar cycles, connect with nature,
and explore your subconscious. Stay open for inner messages and
revelations. Attend to any fears or anxieties that may be surfacing. Honor
your natural flow and process.

Symbols:

Pool-cosmic mind stuff from which emerges all

physical manifestation and organic life. The crayfish is a symbol of the
early stages of conscious unfoldment. The path rising and falling indicates
that many have traveled this way before. Two animals -the wolf remains as
nature made him, the dog is a product of human adaptation.
The path therefore passes between the extremes of nature and art.

Two towers mark the boundaries of the known which continues

into the beyond, rising and falling through the planes of consciousness
open to us during sleep.

KEYWORDS; FOLLOW YOUR INTUITION. OPEN TO
MESSAGES IN DREAMS. DON'T LOOK TO THE OUTSIDE FOR
ANSWERS. TRUST IN YOUR PROCESS. RELEASE FEARS AND
ANXIETIES

*******

XIX THE SUN

SUN

We leave the darkness of the Moon behind and emerge now into

the light of the Sun. This card shows a large radiating sun beaming down
upon a child riding a horse. The feeling of this card is one of joy,
playfulness, youth, vigor, triumph, and openness. The Sun also represents
positive expression, individuality, optimism, spontaneity and speaks to the
child within us all.

The Sun is a card of carefree joy and optimism. It encourages us to

enjoy the simple pleasures of life, to get out into nature and open your
heart.

The sun in the picture refers to both the physical sun as well as the

unifying center within us, the spiritual sun. When you identify with your
spiritual essence you experience a connection to all life. From this place
you can gather and extend your light to uplift, heal, and balance yourself as
well as others.

The Sun encourages individuality and creative self-expression.

This is a card also of cooperation and indicates that you work well with
others. It’s yang, solar force brings you out into the world of activity and
people.

Sometimes when you draw this card as a symbol it may indicate

the need to attend to the child within. Perhaps you have been working too

hard and the inner child feels neglected. Take time to play, nourish and
enjoy yourself. Often playing can liberate the creative process.

The Sun also represents psychic wholeness, enthusiasm, personal

growth, creativity, overcoming obstacles, and appreciating the simple
things in life. It also symbolizes liberation from restrictions, a greater
sense of freedom.

Tarot author Vickie Noble says that the Sun offers confidence and

the ability to put yourself forward in the world.

When you get the Sun in a reading, know that you are being

encouraged to make things simple, to have fun and enjoy life. Perhaps it’s
time to see the world through fresh eyes. Adopt a sense of wonder. Be
spontaneous. Release any jaded, cynical attitudes for now. Maintain a
positive outlook. Be enthusiastic and creative.

Symbols:

Nude child implies liberation from limitations of

physical matter and circumstances. The Sunflowers represent many things.
That the four worlds and kingdoms of nature - the mineral, vegetable,
animal, and human kingdoms all contain the spiritual life force...as well as
the need to live in harmony and cooperation with all of nature. The open
sunflower also suggests openness to the light-to positive energies. The sun
itself represents illumination, the life-giving power which illumines and
sustains all nature. The wavy lines indicate feminine aspect of life-force,
straight lines-masc. The red
banner signifies action and vibration.

KEYWORDS; TIME FOR SPONTANEITY, PLAY,
POSITIVE INDIVIDUALITY, APPRECIATE YOUR
CHILDLIKE, NATURE..WONDERMENT, JOY,
OPENNESS

********

XX JUDGEMENT

PLUTO

Number XX Judgement, depicts a surreal scene reminiscent of the

“Last Judgment” described in the Bible. As the Archangel Gabriel blows
his horn, people rise from their coffins in answer to his call. As with the
Lovers card, the man symbolizes the conscious self and the woman the
subconscious. The child in this picture integrates the additional factor that
of the reborn or regenerated personality.

Judgement symbolizes a call to new and higher level of existence

and awareness. It's a spiritual summons from deep within one's innermost
being. This summons is a call from the higher self to transcend the limits
of one's usual state of consciousness and perspective.

The planet associated with this card is Pluto, which astrologically

represents transformation and a shift in consciousness. Judgement signifies
the creative impulse which calls forth the highest from within. Sometimes
it manifests as a spiritual awakening to a higher level of existence. Vickie
Noble refers to this card as the end of suffering and the beginning of a
"spiritual resurrection"

One meaning of Judgement is to release judgment both of yourself

and others. It refers to the need to forgive yourself and others in order to
release any pain or negative patterns which may be holding you back. It
indicates a time to see through the eyes of the heart rather than the critical
mind and to have compassion for your mistakes as well as those of others.

When you get this card in a reading follow the direction of your

higher self. Sometimes this card implies a time of transition and a need to
view your situation from a higher perspective. Be aware of any judgments
whether they are from your inner critic or from those around you. Come
from your heart when making decisions. Remain aware of any inner
callings. You may be preparing to embark in a new direction, one that will
call forth more of your creative potential and higher purpose.

Is there anyone you need to forgive at this time? Release yourself

from any restrictions of the past. Perhaps there is some part of you that has
died and is now coming back to life. Acknowledge, love, and embrace this
part of you. This is also a good time to connect with your guides and
angels. Open yourself to receive their light and guidance. Envision
yourself healed and whole.

Symbols:

The Angel is Gabriel which symbolizes the divine

breath and cosmic fire. He blows his trumpet as a call to awaken your true
self. Coffins are rectangular to represent the three dimensions of physical
plane. The snowy mountains represent the heights of abstract thought,
ETERNAL TRUTH beyond the limited knowledge available to us
through ordinary means. The cross on the banner symbolizes a meeting of
opposites, a joining of all the things that have been separated as well as a
meeting of two kinds of time - ordinary time and eternity, the spiritual
perception of life.

KEYWORDS: SPIRITUAL AWAKENING, CALL FROM YOUR
SOUL OR HIGHER SELF, TIME TO FORGIVE-LET GO OF
JUDGMENTS, SPIRITUAL RESURRECTION, REALIZATION

XXI THE WORLD

SATURN

We now come to the last Major Arcana card. The World depicts a

dancer surrounded by a wreath. Similar to TheWheel of Fortune, there are
four figures on the corners symbolizing the four elements, the four fixed
signs of the zodiac, and the four directions of space. The World represents
wholeness, completion, successful attainment, the final stage of a cycle or
project, and the culmination of events.

Symbolically all is balanced and unified, the male and female, the

conscious with the subconscious and superconscious, the inner awareness
and the outer manifestation.

The World, therefore, refers to reaching a place of harmony and

balance with the self. The dancer represents the dance of life, the rhythm
and timing of nature. It implies the importance of being attuned to the
rhythm of your cycles in order to be in tune with the rhythm of the
universe. In that way everything falls into place.

Saturn is the great teacher and liberator. It has to do with structure,

boundaries, limitations and form. It relates to working with structure and
form as well as going beyond your limitations. The dancer in the center of
the wreath along with the four fixed symbols in the corner give the feeling
of movement, freedom, and fluidity in a world of structure and form.

The World represents integration. The dancing androgynous figure

represents the ability to integrate the masculine and feminine aspects of the
self. The card speaks of wholeness, healing, synthesis and fulfillment.

In a reading, theWorld often indicates the completion of a cycle

and the attainment of a goal. It’s time to reap the rewards of your efforts. It
is the end of a cycle and the beginning of another. You have come to a
place of integration, healing and balance. Take time to bask in your
accomplishments. Enjoy this time of fulfillment. Feel at one with the
universe. This card is an affirmation that you have achieved what you set
out to do. The World is also a reminder of your connection to all life. How
you feel and think about yourself is reflected in your life and the world
around you.

Symbols:

The wreath around the dancer forms the shape of a

zero suggesting the return to the fool-innocence and emptiness united with
wisdom - all things exist in potential and all potentials are realized. The
sashes form the shape of infinity signs indicating that the self is not
enclosed but open to the universe. Of the sashes, the red one represents
the color of the first chakra and means that energy is constantly flowing,
transformed and renewed. The green sash or wreath symbolizes the natural
world raised up rather than abandoned. Green is also the color of love and
healing and wholeness. Purple (the banner) is the color of divinity and
blue (the sky) the color of communication.

The two doubled edged wands show the balance between higher

and lower worlds or spirit and matter as well as male and female sides.

KEYWORDS; COMPLETION, INTEGRATION, WHOLENESS,
BALANCE, CULMINATION OF A CYCLE

********

Exercise: Entering A Card

The following exercise is inspired by Tarot author, Mary Greer. It

is a creative and fun way to connect with your own personal meanings of a
card.

1. Look at the cards face up and select a card you would like to work with. If

you like you can just work with the Major Arcana cards for now. If this is
the case, you might want to lay them all out in the three- row pattern with
the Fool above.

2. Place the card in front of you. Familiarize yourself with all aspects of the

card, picture, color, and symbols. Close your eyes and see if you can
recreate the card with all its features. Then open your eyes to see if you left
anything out. Repeat this process until you can see the card with all its
features with your eyes closed.

3. With your eyes closed take two or three slow, deep breaths then imagine

that the card you have chosen gets larger until it is life-size… Now
imagine that you step into the card and into the scene. Imagine that the
landscape now extends all around you…. Look around you. Notice what
you see…. Pay attention to how you feel there. As best you can let the
scene come alive. Use your senses… Are there any fragrances, is there a
breeze, is it warm or cool, day or night, do you hear any sounds?… Who
else is there with you? Now imagine that you can dialogue with a figure
or symbol in the card. Choose who or what most attracts you? ….Imagine
that this figure has a gift for you, something that will help you on your

path right now. What is the gift? Allow yourself to receive it…When you
are ready thank the figure for the gift. You can also ask what the gift is
used for?….When you are ready prepare to leave the Tarot
landscape….Take another look around you then imagine that you step out
of the card and back into your body….back into the room. Imagine that the
card shrinks down to its original size. When you are ready, come back to
your waking state, open your eyes, and record your experience and insights
in your journal.

Alternative Options for this exercise.

1. You can enter any of the Tarot cards in order to explore them and learn
more about them. You can dialogue with figures and symbols. If it is a
symbol imagine that it can talk just like a cartoon would do. You can ask
for information about the cards, for any personal messages, or for advice.

2. You can enter your soul, personality, or yearly growth card to get more
information.

3. You can put two cards side by side and enter them at once. Imagine that
their landscapes are connected. You can observe a meeting and dialogue
between the figures in the two cards. You can even imagine a three-way
conversation between you and them.

4. You can enter a card and ask an image what its meaning is. Be open to
unexpected answers.

Review

Now that you have completed all the Major Arcana cards, see if you can
name them in numerical order starting with 0 The Fool.
How was the, Entering Your Card, exercise? What was it like to enter a
card and imagine you were in that landscape? Did it heighten any of your
senses? Did it give you any new insights into the message of the card?
Which Major Arcana cards can you relate to the most and why?

Healing From Within

Tarot for Personal and Spiritual Growth

Susan Goldman Eller, M.A.

www.healingfromwithin.com

Lesson 5

The Minor Arcana
The Celtic Cross Spread
Guidelines for reading Tarot cards
Review

MINOR ARCANA

The fifty-six Minor Arcana divide into four suits, similar to our

playing cards of today, and demonstrate:

1. Our everyday situations and how we deal with them.
2. Life lessons, opportunities, and challenges.

These four suits are Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles.

Wands correspond to the element fire and relate to spirit. They

signify energy utilized for self-awareness and growth, inspiration and
enthusiasm, creativity and enterprise. The element fire arouses passion
and desire as well as sparks the intuition. Sometimes called batons or
rods, wands look like staffs with leaves growing from them. They
correlate to the world of pure ideas and the will to act.

Cups correspond to the element water and relate to your emotional

nature, your ability to feel. Water also symbolizes the subconscious, the
source of your dreams and visions. Cups reflect your feminine, receptive
nature. They correlate to the creative world and your ability to imagine and
visualize. They can also show you areas where you need to love and
nurture yourself as well as honor your feelings.

Swords symbolize the element air and relate to the conscious mind.

Swords signify the development of your thoughts and ideas. They
represent functions such as choosing, planning, analyzing, and criticizing.

Many of the swords show us problematic states of consciousness dealing
with negative beliefs and attitudes as well as limitations and blocks.

Pentacles, sometimes called Disks, look like coins. They

correspond to the element earth and the physical plane. Pentacles refer to
areas such as work, study, hobbies, projects, the body, financial affairs,
and other physical conditions. They symbolize the material world of
actual form and manifestation.

The Minor Arcana are also numbered Ace (One) through Ten.

Each of these numbers correspond to its numerological counterpart in the
Major Arcana. For example, all Aces relate to the Magician, all two's
relate to the High priestess and so forth up to the number ten the Wheel of
Fortune.

Since nine is the highest digit, number ten completes the cycle as

well as begins again with zero and one. All numbers above this can be
reduced. For example, 21 reduces to 3, 15 to 6, and 18 to 9. Number 19
reduces to 10 which in turn reduces to 1.

We will now look at the Ace through ten of the Minor Arcana first and
the Court cards later.

********

Aces represent the primal energy or force of a suit and imply the

beginning of a new cycle. Often an Ace is depicted as a hand being held
out in space indicating that they symbolize gifts from the universe. All
Aces emerge from the Magician and carry within them the seeds for
manifestation.

The Ace of Wands signifies the beginning of a growth cycle and

possibly the beginning of a new endeavor. With this comes an influx of
energy in the form of inspiration, creative ideas, enthusiasm, new
awareness and insights, as well as the will to achieve one's goal. The Ace
of Wands acts like a magic wand giving you the power to actualize your
potential.

The Ace of Cups symbolizes the gift of love, nurturing, and

understanding as well as the need for you to be open to receive this. It is a
symbol of your ability to restore inner peace within you. It can also
represent the understanding that is reached through self-acceptance and
forgiveness. The chalice stands as a symbol for the Holy Grail and calls
forth your power to give and receive love by understanding, accepting, and
thereby loving all parts of yourself.

The Ace of Swords represents the gift of mental clarity, direction,

and purpose. Sometimes associated with Excalibur, King Arthur's sword,
its true power is to unite not divide. The sword signifies the power of the
mind which when aligned with one's higher self, cuts through all falsity
and confusion ultimately clearing the way for self-transcendence.

The Ace of Pentacles affirms a positive go ahead on any project,

career, investment, or other physical endeavor one may be considering.
Usually when this card appears it indicates the acknowledgment of an
important goal in your life. It may require a lot of work but accept this
opportunity as a gift from the universe. The Ace of Pentacles can also
represent a windfall of money on the way to you.

*******

All two's relate in some way to the High Priestess and deal with

issues such as transcending duality, accessing intuitive guidance, allowing
receptivity, and the need to
go within.

The Two of Wands represents the need and ability to take charge

of your life. What will help you to do this is to connect with your deeper
wisdom as well as maintain a balanced state. The more you can stay
grounded as well as adopt a sense of objectivity, the less likely will be the
tendency to get caught up in sides. This card indicates confidence with
oneself and ones abilities as well as seeing new directions for growth.

The Two of Cups illustrates a mutual sharing of love, nurturing

and support. It often signifies a deep love and sharing of an intimate
nature between two people but can also apply to any close relationship or
an exchange of caring friendship with others.

The Two of Swords symbolizes the need to go within when

making decisions. The answers will not come from outside. When you
get the two of swords you are being asked to look within to your inner
guidance and follow that. This card strongly suggests following your
intuition rather than the analytical mind. By taking time to breathe and
ground yourself, the way will eventually become clear.

The Two of Pentacles demonstrates a period of decision-making

as well as juggling various activities. It also indicates the ups and downs
of life as well as a state of flux and change. To assist you during this time
it is important to ground yourself and remain connected with your body.
In this way you will be able to maintain your balance as well as stabilize
your energies.

*******

The three's emerge from the Empress and relate to principles of

love, harmony, balance, and the creative imagination.

The Three of Wands indicates that you have come to a place of

harmony and integration with yourself. You are in tune with your own
timing and growth process and act accordingly. It also shows the ability to
come from a place of objectivity with your life, to see how your life's
unfoldment has led you to where you are now and
where you are going in the future.

The Three of Cups symbolizes a celebration of friendship as

experienced through the spontaneous sharing of joy and good feelings.
Now is the time to acknowledge, affirm, and appreciate your abundance,
especially the abundance of love you have around you. Take time to
nurture yourself with these positive feelings and to express this with
others.

The Three of Swords signifies sorrow and an accompanying

emotional release. Often this follows a crisis or a buildup of emotional
pressure. Take time to heal yourself. Allow your tears to wash over and
cleanse you. If your pain relates to a rift between you and another or an
old wound, allow for a new perspective and be open to a change in
thinking. It's probably time to clear the air. The three indicates an
opportunity to create harmony through compassion, understanding, and the
use of your creative imagination.

The Three of Pentacles indicates mastery of your work and points

the way to an important area in your life you are working on. Often this
requires a strong commitment and focus as well as cooperation with others
involved. It implies you have the ability to succeed with your endeavor.

********

Ruled by the Emperor, the fours represent issues such as

grounding, manifesting, stabilizing, establishing order, and completing a
cycle. It also shows areas of rigidity.

The Four of Wands indicates the completion of a growth cycle and

with it a sense of peace and harmony. It can symbolize the realization of a
goal that you have been working on. You feel nourished and supported by
your environment, family, and/or friends and may want to celebrate this as
well as acknowledge your appreciation.

The Four of Cups illustrates a need to be open to new

opportunities, awareness, and feelings being offered you. There may be a
tendency to remain fixed in an old mode causing a reluctance to move on.
Although you may feel a sense of dissatisfaction you find yourself hanging
on to security. However, the message of this cards asks you to be open to
new options.

The Four of Swords symbolizes the need to take time out in order

to recuperate and rejuvenate your energies. It indicates a time of going
within in order to relieve stressful conditions. This will also help you
ground you. This card represents a need to balance an overactive mind
with quiet introspection through meditation and rest.

The Four of Pentacles indicates great manifesting ability and the

power to actualize whatever you focus your attention on. However, at the
moment you are holding on too tightly to what is familiar. You need to let
go and trust in the natural unfoldment of your process. You can stabilize
yourself by keeping grounded in the moment while taking small steps to
stretch your comfort zone.

********

The Fives, ruled by the Hierophant, demonstrate many of our

conflicts, struggles, problems, and challenges. These are important
lessons. The messages we learn from these experiences point the way to
attitudes and conditions that no longer serve us anymore.

The Five of Wands depicts conflict and strife. This can manifest

both as an internal as well as an external battle. When ideas, opinions, and
personalities clash, see it as an opportunity to view the situation from a
more objective perspective as well as to handle it in a different way. Look
for alternative, more creative solutions aimed at bridging differences.

The Five of Cups represents disappointment, depression, as well as

focusing on what has gone wrong. The two remaining cups and the bridge
demonstrate that eventually you need to let go of this attachment, take
what is good, and move on to the new. Occasionally this symbol could
mirror a person's grieving process. If so it is important to fully grieve.
Some people resist this. But it is best to allow yourself full expression of
your emotions in a safe, nurturing way, so that you can move on.

The Five of Swords symbolizes an empty victory. You may have

thought you won the battle but was it worth it? This type of situation
brings pain to all involved. This card indicates a need to look at your
motives as well as any sabotaging or self-sabotaging thinking and

behaviour. Perhaps you may have been emotionally hurt in the past and
fear the re-opening of that wound. Or maybe you have difficulty asking for
what you need and instead lash out in defense. With the five of swords,
it’s time to end a mental battle and clear the air.

The Five of Pentacles represents worry and the need to watch for

mental patterns that create undue stress and hardship. If you find yourself
worrying about the future or the past, try to stay in the present. Usually
when you receive this card it means you do not need to worry. Instead
learn to trust the process of life. Do something more constructive with
your energy. Find a physical release for your built up tension. Use this
time as an opportunity to envision something positive for yourself in the
future.

********

Ruled by the Lovers, the sixes demonstrate qualities such as

integration, success, and pleasure once the challenges of the fives have
been met and the appropriate choices have been made. The number six
also represents synthesis, the combining of separate elements to form a
whole.

The Six of Wands symbolizes that you have triumphed over your

obstacles. The conflict at the five level has been resolved and as a result
you feel joyous. You are riding home free on top of your horse, which
represents your personality. This card also encourages you to have faith
and confidence with your endeavors at this time.

The Six of Cups represents feeling good about yourself and the

world as well as sharing those good feelings with others. This is a time of
enjoying even the simple pleasures of life as well as seeing your dreams
and visions come to flower.

The Six of Swords indicates a time of transition. It is a move

away from pain as demonstrated by the passage of the boat from rocky to
calm waters. This rite of passage brings you closer to an integration
between your mind and emotions so that you can end the battle between
the two.

The Six of Pentacles symbolizes success in your endeavors. You

receive monetary acknowledgment for your services or product so that
there is a balanced exchange of energy. This card also indicates the need
to establish an equal exchange for what you give with what you receive.
Sometimes people overextend themselves. They give too much to others

without also receiving and giving to themselves. This card indicates that
success comes when you are able to maintain this balance.

********

The sevens, ruled by the Chariot, represent areas of self-mastery

and control as well as a need for the personality to surrender to something
greater.

The Seven of Wands shows that things may be a bit challenging

for you right now but with valor and determination you will be able to stay
on top of the situation. You are able to meet the challenge and to triumph.
This card affirms success over obstacles and opposition. You work
towards the solution of a personal problem.

The Seven of Cups indicates that there are many choices being

offered you. Some may not be what they appear to be. You need to look
beyond the surface of things, beyond the illusion and glamour of it all.
This card also implies a loosening of the creative imagination.

The Seven of Swords symbolizes the need to let go of

defensiveness. It could also indicate secrecy and deceit. This card shows
someone sneaking off with his swords. There is a fear of revealing one’s
true self. The lesson here is to move beyond this, to be willing to be more
open and straightforward. This card could also imply the tendency to
overanalyze a situation and the need to let go of trying to figure things out.
It indicates a need to surrender to not knowing the answers and to wait for
the knowledge to be revealed to you.

The Seven of Pentacles shows someone tending his garden. This

represents a time of re-evaluation, of weeding your internal garden in order
to make space for the new to grow and flourish. This card indicates an
opportunity to look at the last few weeks or months in terms of what has
worked and what hasn't. What do you want to take with you into a new
cycle. What do you want to leave behind?

* *******

Ruled by the Strength card, the number eight stands for as above so

below or the outer world is a reflection of the inner reality. Eight also
symbolizes the need to integrate the lower with the higher self for true
strength comes when you pay attention to and honor your inner needs.

The Eight of Wands represents rapid, free flowing, easy growth.

Life moves along smoothly and swiftly now with no obstacles or

restrictions. You have grown consderably and this card shows personal
movement. Goals can be met quickly.

The Eight of Cups depicts the turning away from what was once

familiar and important to you such as old ideas, values, and beliefs in
order to go on an inner search for new ones. Take this time to re-connect
with your inner guidance which wishes to come through for you right now.
Pay attention to your dreams. The moon in a card represents the
unconscious, dreams, inner guidance, and intuition, also receptivity.

The Eight of Swords illustrates what happens when there is too

much mental or outside interference. You feel blind and bound, not
knowing what you are doing. Perhaps too many people are offering
different opinions. You are over analyzing the situation to the point of
confusion. It also indicates a need to clear away states
of doubt and confusion. Angeles Arrien says this is the doubting, non-
trusting, over-analytical mind and if you pull this card you need to wait
and not act until the clarity comes.

The Eight of Pentacles represents the master craftsman who takes

pride in his work and as a result is productive as well as accomplishes alot.
Just take care of the matters at hand for now. Adopt a step by step
approach. Pay attention to details. Be conscientious. This could also be a
time when you learn some new tools.

********

The Nines, ruled by the Hermit, symbolize attainment and the near

completion of a cycle or goal. Number nine shows you have come a long
way with some area of your life. As a result you may feel resistant to
move on in order to complete the cycle.

The Nine of Wands illustrates a turning point in which you have

grown considerably and now you feel resistant to go further. Maybe there
have been struggles along the way. You may feel tired and wonder if the
struggle will ever end. However, this card indicates outside support for
you and that with a little more perseverance the cycle will soon end and
you will feel revitalized again.

The Nine of Cups shows that you have reached a place of self-

satisfaction and fulfillment almost to the point of smugness. You feel
content with the way things are. You have gathered all your cups around
you which symbolize your security. But you need to be careful not to
close yourself off from your sensitivity and to always remain

open to new ideas and visions. This card is sometimes referred to as the
wish card meaning that it foretells happiness, contentment, physical well-
being, and abundance.

The Nine of Swords symbolizes cruelty either to yourself or

cruelty which is afflicted upon you by others. The picture shows that you
need to wake up from those old patterns of fear, anxieties, and insecurities
and see that the world can be a better place. This cruelty to self is often
generated by old negative thoughts and beliefs that no longer serve you.
Learn to monitor your thoughts. Replace negative thinking with
affirmations and creative visualization in order to transform the negativity.
This card indicates is a self-destructive pattern.

The Nine of Pentacles shows a well-to-do woman alone in her

garden and represents gain and success. You have reached a level of
satisfaction with the results of your efforts and now you can enjoy the
fruits of your labor. You experience rich rewards for your
accomplishments. This card can also indicate that you have attained a level
of self-awareness so that you can distinguish what matters in life.

********

Ten symbolizes the ending of an old cycle and the beginning of

another. Ruled by the Wheel of Fortune, ten represents the cycles of life
and the transition from one state of being to another. And, as the wheel
suggests, the need to remain centered while going through this type of
experience.

The Ten of Wands depicts someone who feels as though they are

carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders. You may have taken
on too many responsibilities. You have over-extended yourself and feel
you have stretched yourself out too thin. Life feels like a burden. It's time
to lighten up and see how you can best use your time and energy. You
need to look to see if you are taking on other people's responsibilities as
your own.

The Ten of Cups shows the promise of things to come, your

future potential, as well as the fulfillment of your dreams and visions.
Happiness, joy, and abundance surround you and your family. The
rainbow consists of the seven colors that make up the chakra system
especially when in a state of health and balance. It symbolizes the prize
attained when you follow your heart and express your true self in the
world.

The Ten of Swords shows the ruin of self-destructive thought

patterns, beliefs, and attitudes. The black clouds are lifting to indicate a
release of this troublesome energy from your life. This requires a
surrender of the ego and the pain it causes to let go of mental attachments
and perceptions of who you are. It's the destruction of the old way of
perceiving one's self.

The Ten of Pentacles represents the recognition and/or wealth

you receive from fully expressing your gifts and talents. You receive
acknowledgment and support from your family, friends, and even perhaps
your community. This recognition mirrors your own feelings of self-worth
and accomplishment. As a result you feel the richness and
fullness of life. Sometimes this card can also indicate an inheritance as
well.

*********

Celtic Cross Spread

The Celtic Cross spread is the traditional layout that most people

use. The above illustration is my adaptation of this classic layout. It is the

way I was taught many years ago. A layout, also called a spread, describes
a pattern that you use to lay out the cards. Each position is assigned a
meaning. The following meanings were adapted by me throughout the
years.

Position#1 - The Significator. The significator signifies the main

theme or issue of a reading. It is also the most important card in the
reading. All the other cards enhance and add to this theme. Some people
ask that you choose your signifacator according to your sex and physical
features. I was not taught this way and have never done this. The
signifactor in my readings is always the first card I turn over.

Position #2 - The most positive influence for you to tune into. This

represents just that. If the card is negative looking then this would indicate
that the most positive thing for you to tune into (or be aware of) is to be
careful of this particular energy. In other words to see what modifications
you can make to improve upon that particular quality or situation. For
example: If the five of wands was in this position. You may be being
asked to stop struggling or fighting the flow, perhaps be less aggressive,
and opinionated. Whereas if the three of cups were to appear in this
position you might want to spend more time enjoying yourself, getting
together with friends, receiving emotional support, being open and grateful
to the abundance around you, getting out and have a good time.

Position #3 - What is blocking you or what needs to be integrated.

This depends on whether it is a positive or negative looking card. If it
seems like it is positive to you then read it as a quality that wants to get
integrated into your life. If the cards seems detrimental then read it as an
energy that is blocking you.

Position #4 – Your foundation, what is grounding for you, where

your stabililty lies.

Position #5 – What your Higher Self wants you to be aware of.

Position #6 - The past and what you take with you into the present.

Position #7 – The immediate future—the next turn of events

Position #8 – Your attitude, the quality of your thinking.

Position #9 – The environment, your relationship to the

environment, or what kind of support is out there for you.

Position #10 – Your hopes and/or fears.

Position #11 – The possible final outcome. The outcome is not

fixed because it is always subject to change according to your free will and
the choices that you make. Rather this is an indication that if you continue
on in this way this is what you can expect.

Reading the cards

There are a lot of cards in this spread. If it seems intimidating at

first just do the body of this layout which consists of the first seven cards.
The other four cards consisting of positions eight through eleven are
considered the staff. You could even just do a reading with the first five
cards and even the first three. As you get more comfortable interpreting
the cards in the different positions try doing the entire layout.

When doing a reading remember to ground yourself first and to ask

for higher guidance and protection. If the reading is for yourself take time
to center and then shuffle the cards bearing your question in mind. If the
reading is for someone else, have them shuffle the cards. Then ask them to
cut the cards so that there are three piles on the table. You then put each
pile on top of the other from left to right so that they are once again in one
stack. To do the reading turn the top card over, place it face up in order to
see the picture, then do the same with the next and continue on in this
fashion.

Begin reading the cards by first looking for any patterns. Look for

qualities such as a preponderance of Major Arcana cards, a recurrance of a
particular number, or more than one card with a similar meaning. See if
you get an overall message about the reading. Do not worry when first
reading the cards if you do not get this. It takes time to develop this sense.

Start with the first card, the Significator and explain what that

means or suggests to you. You can even start by saying the following.
“The first card in this reading is the Significator and signifies the main
theme or issue of the reading. In this reading the Significator is
___________, which means ________________________. Then go on to
the next card and repeat the pattern. It is okay to look up the meanings yet
it is also beneficial to first give your immediate impression and gut feeling,
even if it does not make sense. Use your imagination. That is where your
intuition lies. Be patient with yourself. It took me over a year to get the
hang of doing a reading especially for others. Through practice you will
develop your intuitive abilities as well as trust in yourself as a reader.

Guidelines for reading Tarot cards from “Tarot for Yourself” by

Mary Greer.

“In a reading emphasis on a particular suit often points out the area

of life being dealt with. In general Wands represent creativity and
enterprise; Cups are emotions and the psychic realm; Swords are intellect
or struggle; and Pentacles are work, money, and security. Court Cards
focus on people, including the different roles you play in your life; and the
Major Arcana speak of your process and methods.

When you look up a card, look for keywords and concepts,

watching for those interpretations that seem to relate especially to your
situation. Write your favorite keyword in your notebook or journal.”

Review

What are the four suits of the Minor Arcana?
What elements do they relate to and what are some of their
correspondences.
Do any of the Minor Arcana remind you of some of your own life
experiences and how?
When giving a reading, what might emphasis on a particular suit mean?



Healing From Within

Tarot for Personal and Spiritual Growth

Esther Susan Goldman, M.A.

www.healingfromwithin.com

Lesson 6

The Court Cards
Motherpeace Exercise
Reversed Cards
Review
Book and Web Site Suggestions

THE COURT CARDS

There are sixteen court cards in all divided into Page (Princess or

Daughter), Knight(Prince or Son), Queen (Priestess) and King(Knight,
Shaman) of each suit. These represent 16 different personality or
subpersonality aspects of the self which are acted out as the various roles,
identities, and masks we play in life. Examples of the masks and identities
we wear would be mother, father, daughter, son, wife, husband, business
person, teacher, student, writer, friend, and counselor. The court cards can
also demonstrate areas of psychological development as well as
development of skills and personality types. (Mary Greer, “Tarot
Constellations”)

And they can also represent key people in our lives who serve as

outer mirrors for these various aspects of ourselves.

The Page and Queen symbolize receptive (Yin) abilities while the

Knight and King are more projective and active (Yang). The Page and
Queen represent consciousness that is centered and in the process of
developing. The Knight and King represent consciousness that is
expanding and is in motion. (The Tarot Handbook by Angeles Arrien p.
102)

The King and Queen are more mature and developed regarding the

attributes represented by each suit.

The Pages often represent the seeker, student, and the apprentice

learning and trying new things or new ways of being. They are the least
developed of all the court cards yet are more open to taking risks.

Pages are like seekers or novices in a new area they haven't worked

with yet. They have just been handed an opportunity each according to the
energies of the suit it represents and it is up to them to do something with
this, to take advantage of it. So there is a feeling of newness and freshness
with the potential to mature into the cards.

There's a sense of vulnerability with the page. He's out there in the

open but also trusting. There's a sense of newness with something never
done before. The page is receiving and working with this new energy.

The Page of Wands represents the seeker after new growth, new

directions for self-development, becoming aware of new aspects of the self
as well as trying out a new skill. You may be seeking a new endeavor or
enterprise. As a Page of Wands you may be seeking a new level of
attainment. (He looks up at his wand with a sense of aspiration) Yet it is
up to the person to take the initiative or take risks to do this. Requires the
use of the will. There is a feeling of enthusiasm, motivation, and strength
if one chooses to pursue this. It indicates a fun-loving, adventurous,
charismatic type.

The Page of Cups symbolizes the seeker after inner truth. This

card could represent a spiritual quest, someone who is willing to delve
deeply into the depths of themselves. The Page of Cups also indicates
working on an emotional level, seeking to understand one's feelings and
emotions in order to work with them in new ways. There might be some
risk taking as you get more in touch with your feelings. It helps to balance
your emotions with your spiritual awareness. It also has to do with
listening to one's heart and following it, getting in touch with one's
dreams, creativity, and vision. It relates to someone who is sensitive,
emotional, loving, and spiritual.

The Page of Swords often reflects the critical or restless part of

ourselves. It could be someone who has a sharp mind, likes to debate alot,
and prove his or her point. It shows the seeker after mental clarity. He is
looking to clear away the clouds of confusion. This card can refer to
finding new ways to deal with the critical mind. You may be looking to cut
through illusion, false perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes. It could refer to
the restless spirit in search of new horizons, the search for something or
someone new. It can be accompanied by some fear or defensiveness
associated with putting oneself out there in unfamiliar places or situations.

The Page of Pentacles often represents the student or seeker after

new knowledge, abilities, skills etc. Seeking to crystallize one's abilities,
ideas in self-fulfilling areas. Seeking to ground knowledge. Looking for
new ways to manifest your ability and talent to make money. May be
going back to school to learn or refine a trade. It indicates praciticality and
a sense of responsibility.

The Knights are the active doers and symbolize the actual

performing and going out with the qualities of the suit.

The Knight of Wands represents feeling energetic or someone who

is an energetic personality. You are ready to go out into the world in a
dynamic, fiery way. There is already a feeling of more self-assurance and
security with one's self-development. This card indicates enthusiasm,
eagerness, action, movement, adventure and travel. There may be a
tendency to be too impulsive if the energy is not grounded. This card
would indicate a lot of determination and confidence to reach a goal.

The Knight of Cups often symbolizes the dreamer and romantic in

us or someone who is that type of personality. This card represents putting
forth one's dreams, desires, feelings, and vision as well as sharing this with
others. It refers to acting on one’s desires and dreams. It can also relate to
the act of visualizing as well as expressing your love, heart, and need for
sharing.

The Knight of Swords shows someone who is going out in the

world with their aggressions. It often refers to expressing anger and
speaking one's mind. It relates to the need to clear the air and get things
off your chest, to speak your mind and be vocal in someway. It may also
have to do with learning how to deal with your anger in a more
constructive way by finding appropriate methods that do not include
venting onto another. However this card does not always speak of anger. It
could be just getting comfortanble about speaking up. The book “Power
Tarot” calls this card one of communication and making your point.

The Knight of Pentacles shows someone who is going out in the

world with one's product (skills, talents, crafts, portfolio, degree) in order
to manifest and actualize them. It symbolizes the teacher, the seller, the
doer. It represents taking one's abilities and skills and putting them out
into the world. It demonstates a more practical approach. The energy of
this card reflects more stability than the other knights. This is an individual
who is responsible, dependable, and hardworking. It represents someone
who can follow through on a project. Financial and material stability are
important here.

The Kings and Queens are more stable and represent self-security.

Have things more together.

Queens are receptive and represent inner security and confidence.

They are aware of their capabilities. They demonstrate self-security in
receiving the attributes of the suit. They are comfortable and at ease with
themselves as well as the energy of the suit.

The Queen of Wands is confidant and demonstrates a certain level

of personal power. She feels good about herself, can be passionate and
inspirational. This card relates to a dynamic person yet there is no longer
the impulsiveness that we saw with the knight of wands. She has stabilized
and grounded the energy. She is calm, resolute, kind, sensitive,
enthusiastic, and able to channel her energy well. She is also in touch with
her own magic, her individuality, ideas, and inspiration.

The Queen of Cups is the nurturer. She is often pscyhic/intuitive,

empathetic, artisitic, and compassionate. This card represents feeling
secure with one's creative potential, imagination, dreams, visions, and
most importantly one's feelings. She could be a visionary. She is also
sensual and comfortable with her sexuality. Angeles Arriens says that the
Queen of Cups honors her feelings by listening to them, owning them,
learning from them and expressing them without blame or judgment.

The Queen of Swords represents the ability to combine the

intuition with the intellect. She is very strong, highly perceptive person.
This card shows someone or a part of you who is self-reliant, intelligent,
possibly sharp-tongued with a keen mind. She is receptive but also ready
to defend herself. The “Power Tarot” refers to her as an independent
career woman. The winged child and butterflies on her throne suggest the
need to embrace her inner child and to acknowledge her vulnerablity as a
path toward fuller integration.

The Queen of Pentacles represents a sensible, practical, motherly,

down to earth type of person. She is secure in her ability to manifest and to
get the job done. The lush garden around her shows someone who is
comfortable with themselves and their surroundings and who has
manifested a sense of abundance and prosperity into her life. She is rich in
new life and potentiality. This card refers to someone with a generous
nature and one who knows how to handle money wisely.

Kings for the most part represent mastery, confidence, the self's

ability to perform activities. Not only are they secure with new areas if
growth and endeavors but they have mastered these areas. They have

reached a level of attainment in these areas. They have grounded and
stabilized the energy and are actualizing it in the world.

The King of Wands represents an inspirational person or leader

who lives his or her life in harmony with nature. This person is at ease
with themselves, their own power, and knows how to channel this energy
constructively. This card also shows dynamism, individuality, and the
ability to put one's dreams into action. It often reflects an older, more
mature man or male aspect of the self. There is a certain wisdom that has
been attained here

The King of Cups symbolizes an emotionally supportive person

and the ability to back up one's feelings. It refers to someone who is
comfortable with the realm of emotions and feelings. He is a romantic and
can demonstrate loyalty and commitment to his relationships. This person
makes a good counselor/therapist and healer. He or she is compassionate,
generous, kind hearted and emotionally stable. This card also represents
actualizing one's dreams, visions, creativity, and love.

The King of Swords depicts someone who tends to be more

analytical or the analytical side of one's personality. There's a coldness
about him. He tends to be more rational. This type of person or
subpersonality may not be comfortable with emotions. This card also
represents feeling secure with one's aggressive nature. He's ready to defend
a just cause. However, he is more of a verbal and mental defender than a
physical one. This is someone who likes a good debate. There's also a
tendency to be judgmental especially on the self.

The King of Pentacles is the manifester. He represents security

about one's ability to perform. He is competent and secure with his skills
and intelligence. He is very grounded, practical, and productive. He
knows how to make money and to apply himself. He can create
abundance and prosperity and has the power to attract wealth to him. He
is warm hearted and generous. He demonstrates a lot of initiative and
dynamism. This type of person is a good worker, good manager, and a
business person.

Reversed Cards

As I stated in the first lesson many people do not even work with

reversed cards so it is not necessary to concern yourself with them.
However, I do at times use them and thought I would share how I view
them.

I do not create a different meaning for a reversed cards. Rather I

see reversed cards as representing an energy or quality that is blocked and
harder to access as well as internalized in some way. If there are a
predominance of reversed cards in a reading I might see it as meaning that
the person is going through a more internal process at the moment. That is
important to know because sometimes people resist slower, more internal
cycles and push against what they really need, which is to create more
space for inner time. The following are some examples:

The Fool reversed may indicate a lack of trust. Or it may be that

the person is trying too hard, or trying to do things the old way.

The Emperor reversed could indicate a resistance to taking

responsibility for one’s life, or a leadership role, or wanting to get
organized. It could also indicate trouble with authority.

The Queen of Wands reversed may indicate a weakening of self-

confidence or the need to acknowledge your individuality.

The Three of Cups reversed may show a tendency to resist being

spontaneous or playful or wanting to connect with friends. It could also
represent a reluctance to appreciate what you have.

If you want to work with reversed cards, look at the meaning of the

card as it is upright, then think about what it would mean to either resist
this quality or be unaware of it. My recommendation though is for you to
get familiar and comfortable with the cards first before working with them
reversed.

Review of lesson 6

How many Court cards are there and what are the names of the Court
Cards in your deck?
What might a Court Card indicate in a reading?
Which Court Cards are yin in nature and which are more yang?
Review the entire course and let me know if you have any further
questions before we complete the last class.
Are you interested in a Tarot Clinic where you and others may exhange
readings for practice? Also would you be interested in offering free mini-
readings as practice on my forum?
I am open to your feedback about the course. Do you have any comments,
suggestions, feedback? You can email me with this information at
esther@healingfromwithin.com

In Conclusion

I hope this course has given you a better understanding of the

Tarot, the meanings, as well as its uses. I encourage you to practice using
the cards both for yourself and others. If you are interested in participating
in an on-line Tarot support group let me know. I am thinking of starting
one for those who wish to practice and/or who wish to discuss various
aspects of working with the cards. Thank you for taking this course and
hope you have benefited by it. Light and many blessings, Susan.

Book and Web Site Recommendations

Books

Tarot For Yourself by Mary K. Greer, Newcastle Publishing Co.
Tarot Constellations by Mary K.Greer, Newcastle Publishing co.
Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom Part 1 and Part 2 by Rachel

Pollack, The Aquarian Press

The Tarot Handbook by Angeles Arrien, Arcus Publishing

Company

Power Tarot by Trish MacGregor and Phyllis Vega, Simon &

Schuster

Learning The Tarot: A Tarot Book for Beginners, by Joan

Bunning, Samuel Weiser

Web Sites

Learning The Tarot- An On-line Course by Joan Bunning,

http://www2.dgsys.com/~bunning/top.htm

Tarot: Tools and Rites of Transformation, by Mary Greer and Ed Buryn,

http://www.nccn.net/~tarot/